Hi Folks,

 

Bought a 12 foot semi-v jon boat a few days ago.  It came with an old 3.5 h.p. outboard motor.  There is no name on it.  I didn't look much at the motor when I bought the boat.  Just figured that it didn't run and I would junk it.  Today I pulled the rope just for fun and it started right up.  The gas tank is built into the motor like a lawn mower engine.  I guess I will try using it.  The propeller turns and it is an air cooled motor.  The former owner recommend using a 40:1 oil and gas mixture.  Does anyone recognize this type of outboard?

I do not know, but I have a boat and trailer like that, made in Texas older than dirt

pull the cover, should be a  tag under it, JC Penny, Montgomery Ward, Sears Roebuck etc

7 minutes ago, david in va said:

I do not know, but I have a boat and trailer like that, made in Texas older than dirt

 

I think the boat and trailer are 1971 vintage.  Not too pretty, but both seem to be in decent shape.  Maybe I can take the boat to the car wash.   Haven't had it on the lake yet.  Will probably take it out tomorrow.  I have a brand new Minn Kota trolling motor and a nice battery in case the motor stops. 

It's an old Eska outboard, they made these for several discount stores back in the 60's.

Tom

10 minutes ago, WRB said:

It's an old Eska outboard, they made these for several discount stores back in the 60's.

Tom

 

Have seen pictures of Eska outboards on the internet.  Have never known anyone to own one.  Haven't heard anything about Eska's period.  I guess I will find out tomorrow.

 

@david in va  @david in va,  that is a nice looking boat.  I bet it was sharper looking when the paint job was new.  Have been thinking about painting mine.  

 

On the very last picture there is an adjustment knob of some kind.  Does anyone have an idea what it is for?

 

My very first outboard motor was a blue & white Eska (I loved it).

Back in the 60s I bought a 5 HP Eska for $100, they're air-cooled motors and VERY noisy.

 

Roger

19 minutes ago, RoLo said:

 

My very first outboard motor was a blue & white Eska (I loved it).

Back in the 60s I bought a 5 HP Eska for $100, they're air-cooled motors and VERY noisy.

 

Roger

 

 

Hi Roger,

 

It's good to hear from you.  I am hearing people say these motors are air cooled and some say they have water pumps.  The last guy I talked to said they have an air cooled power head and a water cooled exhausted with a water pump.  Do you know anymore about this?  Wondering if I shouldn't have this motor looked at by a mechanic before I take out out on the water.

25 minutes ago, Lonnie Clemens said:

 

 

Hi Roger,

 

It's good to hear from you.  I am hearing people say these motors are air cooled and some say they have water pumps.  The last guy I talked to said they have an air cooled power head and a water cooled exhausted with a water pump.  Do you know anymore about this?  Wondering if I shouldn't have this motor looked at by a mechanic before I take out out on the water.

 

I wish I could be more specific Lonnie, but it was over 50 years ago and I only remember

that it was air-cooled. Though it only set me back $100, it never gave me any trouble

so I never tore her down. Though points & plugs wouldn't be a problem,

I'm sure that all the proprietary electronics have been off the market for years.

 

Roger

 

7 hours ago, Lonnie Clemens said:

On the very last picture there is an adjustment knob of some kind.  Does anyone have an idea what it is for?

 

Looks like a fuel shutoff valve to me.  

Never owned an Eska, the knob is fuel shut off, the engine is air cooled, the exhaust does go into the water. what I don't remember is the fuel mix ratio, probably 24-1.

Tom

16 minutes ago, WRB said:

Never owned an Eska, the knob is fuel shut off, the engine is air cooled, the exhaust does go into the water. what I don't remember is the fuel mix ratio, probably 24-1.

Tom

 

 

Hi Tom,  Someone else said the powerhead is air cooled and the exhaust is water cooled and has a water pump.  I will be taking a closer look at it later this afternoon.

When I was very young, my dad and I went to a small lake that rented boats & motors just like the one in your picture. The guy loved those engines because they were reliable, pretty much bullet proof, so he never had to invest much to keep them running and he made a good living just renting those out. He had several and they were always rented so you had to be there early. As mentioned, they are kind of loud, so some ear plugs or ear muffs may help depending on run time. I would also check the trailer bearings before going too far. Old bearings, grease, and those tiny tires heat quickly and usually need yearly care for safe travel. Good luck, and catch some nice fish.

Lift the top cowling of the motor. Look inside the cowling for a plate with the model number. The manufacturer's name will be included on the plate. 

 

If the model number begins with 217, it was built by Eska Outboards -- which purchased Tecumseh's designs before Tecumseh built any motors.

I would pull it and put it up as a collector's item and then drop the cash on a new air cooled motor from cabela's.

 

Properly make some good cash on it to the right collector.

6 hours ago, WRB said:

Never owned an Eska, the knob is fuel shut off, the engine is air cooled, the exhaust does go into the water. what I don't remember is the fuel mix ratio, probably 24-1.

Tom

 

 

The gas:oil ratio was 20 to 1