Re: Clinton Chief 350

Home Forum Ask A Member Clinton Chief 350 Re: Clinton Chief 350


amuller


Replies: 1055
Topics: 163
#76934

My understanding is that this low-cost outboard market segment was originated by Clinton in the early 50s. Clinton built the whole thing. Some years later came along Eska, which used Tecumseh engines and closely copied the Clinton leg.

They are light, and perfectly adequate to go fishing, as long as you don’t mind the noise and vibration of what is essentially a lawn mower engine.

Sadly, Clinton just faded away in the 80s. Some of the Clintons call for an oil mix richer than 16-1. Maybe 12-1. Whether it’s really necessary with modern oils I don’t know, but something to keep in mind.

Some lawn mower ignition parts work. The fuel pumps can be a little wonky.

I suspect most of these motors were sold by Sears. I remember a corner-of-the-basement Eska dealer in Claymont, DE, who was quite crabby about supporting the Sears-sold motors.

Recently, for a few years, Briggs & Stratton was selling a 4-stroke motor of similar concept.

Have fun with it!

Alan