Evinrude/Johnson Lightwin still worth it's weight? Possible to keep these up?

[777funk]

I grew up seeing these things on lakes and they were old then. Now that I'm in my 30's and my boys are fishing, I'm looking for something small to put on our square backed fiberglass canute (canoe boat).

I appreciate old iron and have used plenty of old Briggs engines but what I found with them is that although they're built well, the parts are hard to keep up with and there are some design flaws in the fuel system (carbs leaking, in tank fuel bowls rusting through, etc) that make them not worth messing with.

I've been looking at an older Chrysler 5HP, 2000's Tohatsu Mercury 3.5HP, and the Lightwin. The Lightwin seems simple and there are still a lot out there which says something.

Just looking for a little feedback and opinion.

thanks a lot!

 

[777funk]

It seems like these things still regularly get listed for $250. I can find Mercury 3.5 (Tohatsu motors) with only a handful of hours used for $300. Is it worth messing with these old 50's OMC's?

 

[Chinewalker]

You simply will not find a modern outboard better than the old 2-cylinder Johnrude 3s. Period. They're lightweight, durable, run fantastic - idle right down, smooth as silk - parts are cheap and easy to find, and they have character in spades. The newer outboards tend to be heavier for the power, are often noisier (inherent with many of the single cylinder motors), and are brittle with their numerous plastic parts. Plus, it is often easier to find parts for a 50 year old Johnrude than it is a 20 year old Tohatsu/Yamaha/Suzuki.

Of course, much depends on how well maintained the old Lightwin has been in the last 40, 50, 60 years. An abused motor won't be worth the effort unless you're into full rebuilds, etc.