Is rebuild/repair of lark 2 worth It?

[S.A.smith]

Hi,
I recently bought a Columbia 23t,from the local Sea Scouts,and as a bonus they offered a old Fiberform runabout with a Evinrude lark 2 model 35520.,for 300$.It does not have the electro-mechanical shift,close as I can tell[shift is on starboard side of the casing].The base chief said that it was a complete boat,and was operational a couple of years ago.
The runabout will clean up nice,has a intact canopy,steering works fine,as well as the control levers for the twin...
[I got my moneys worth right there.Here is my "fishing" boat!],

The question is,as I am not one of the most mechanically minded guys out there,I will have to pay to have a lot of the work done to get this 40 running right.[I have reviewed most of the posted questions that have been presented here]This motor seems like one that will require a lot of tickling,as well as one that can go south w/a broken cam...On the plus side,the motor looked well lubed,w/no rust or deterioration under the case,and the prop could turn the flywheel by hand w/little effort...

Is the 1960 lark 2 worth spending a couple 2-3-4 hundred to restore?If Restored,are they reliable enough to be worth the effort?

thanks
S.A. smith

 

[lindy46]

Re: Is rebuild/repair of lark 2 worth It?

If it is not frozen and has good compression, pretty much all else can be fixed for a couple hundred bucks. Check compression, check spark. It may need new points, coils, condensers, plugs and wires. I would definitely replace the water pump impeller. I'd also clean/rebuild the carb and replace gas lines, and change the oil in the lower unit. If the oil is milky, it may need seals replaced. If you're not familiar with these older motors, get a service manual. Good, reliable motors that will last another 50 years if maintained properly.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Is rebuild/repair of lark 2 worth It?

That's a 50-year-old outboard that was operational until just recently...that should tell you how durable those old motors are. As noted, check the basics...compression, etc. then get an estimate to get it running again. That could cost as little as $50 or as much as $350. It is worth that?...depends on what you want to use it for, only you can decide. IMO they can't be beat for reliability, ease of maintenance...especially if you are going to use it to occasionally power a fishing rig.