All,

Out of my realm a little as I usually stay in the Johnson/Evinrude’s of mid-late 1950’s.

Recently, to expand my knowledge,  I picked up a Evinrude Light Four and two smaller Johnsons (both 1946 Johnson Sea Horse HD25 2.5hp ). Currently I have many of the bolts of the Light Four soaking in PB Blaster as I decide my plans. The Light Four looks like it may have been outdoors for a while in its life. The Johnsons look to have decent patina and have not been ravaged by the sun.

The Light Four does not appear to be seized (motor/lower section look good) while the HD25s appear to have a a couple issues (one may have been a donor motor for the other (missing parts-one is seized). The other HD25 appears to be complete but appears to have a fuel leak. Tanks are clean on all three.

I am trying to ascertain the year of the Light Four and where to obtain a decent manual for both.

I looked on the Light Four’s plate and I believe the numbers are saying;

4389 18629

Its not the easiest to read and the one character almost looks like a vertical line.

I have looked out on Marine Engine and I believe the Light Four is a 9.7HP 1945-49.

Can someone confirm my findings and would the 18629 (serial?) narrow things down for years a little more?

Thanks for the help,

Chris