Antique 1.4 HP Champion Outboard Questions

[oldylocks]

Hi, I am new to this site.

This week I bought this vintage outboard motor. The guy I bought it from has had it for many years and was planning on working on it, but never got around to it, so I lucked out (I think). It was really dirty, rusty, etc. but it seemed to have compression, pretty clean fuel tank. all levers moved freely, and a broken spark plug. I figured for the little amount I paid, it would really look cool when cleaned up.

Did some initial troubleshooting and determined that it did not have a spark when turning the magneto. So, I took the flywheel off, cleaned it up including cleaning the points. Set and initial gap of about .020, put the flywheel back on, and it now sparks.

I think that this may start now, but have some questions before I try to start it. (I’m including some pictures of the unit with this post).

I don’t see a model or serial number on the outside of the motor, but I do see the following numbers:

A12 This is on the side of the motor between the spark plug and the carb.

A30 This is on the side of the single cylinder.

The magneto is an Elsemann and has the following:
Model 71L
Serial No. 1806

The original, broken spark plug:
Champion JI-15

I replaced the original spark plug with and AutoLite 386, as this was the cross referenced replacement.

I have not been able to locate any information on the web regarding the following questions, so I’m hoping other members of this site may have further details/ansers to my questions.

Question 1 – The replacement spark plug is gaped at .025. Should this be changed, or is this the correct gap?

Question 2 – When I reinstall the flywheel, what foot pounds should I set the retaining nut at?

Question 3 – I have read that these antiques require 16:1 gas/oil ratio. I am using a high grade boat motor 2-stroke oil, but found an old manual for a different vintage motor that recommended using non-detergent 30 weight oil to mix with the gas. Any comments on whether one should be used in place of the other?

Question 4 – Here is the most common question that you probably receive from a newbie member…. any ideas as to the year this was manufactured? I haven’t been able to locate any informaiton specific to this unit, and thought that the magneto model and serial numbers may indicate the year, but though I found information about some of these old devices, nothing matches the magneto used in this motor.

Thanks,

Oldylocks

[jcrigan]

That autolight #386 is a resistor plug and may not work so well on your motor. A champion D9 or 509 plug may be what you need. Others will chime in on this as there are other plugs available. Sometimes the model and serial number will be stamped somewhere on the cylinder or the crankcase.
My mistake, a champion D16 or 516 plug gapped 0.025" is what is recommended in the old outboard book. The book also notes point gap set at 0.018 or 0.015". Gas oil ratio is 3/4 pint to a gallon 30wt oil.

[Buccaneer]

According to this list, Champion made a 1.5 hp outboard between 1927 thru 1934.
http://www.discount-marine-parts.com/ob_champion_1.html

Does it look like this one on YouTube?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcUwjfwzqXA
Believe those fellows in the boat are AOMCI members,
so hopefully one of them may be able to tell you more
about theirs and yours.

Prepare to be boarded!

[nabmd]

Art DeKalb has a great "5 Point Plan" for working on newly discovered old motors; Precisionservoutboard.com Welcome to the hobby, (it’s addicting)

[joecb]

Welcome aboard oldylocks. Sounds like you are already having fun with your new find… they are addictive. As for oiling, I use the modern TCW3 oil in all my old motors, burns much cleaner than the old straight 30W. Use a rich mixture, 16:1 may be OK but more oil is better 12:1 or even 8:1 is used in some of the oldest motors. As for torque spec, none for these old motors, just nice and tight and be sure that the crank taper and hub are clean and oil free. I’m sure that someone here will chime in with more info on your motor.
You didn’t say where you are located… check out the "Upcoming Events" page here and bring your motor out to a local meet. The guys will like to hear your story and provide help in getting her back in shape.
Joe B

[hotrod]

You may have a 1935 Champion Model A. The flywheel nut of the ’35 model sticks up through a hole in the rope sheave, and the gas tank is steel. The serial number is stamped into the front of the motor, between the 2 thumb screw castings.

[oldylocks]

Wow,

I didn’t expect such a quick reply from so many forum members. I put the motor back together. Has good compression and the gas is making it to the carb to the intake. The motor has compression, and pulls easy. But, doesn’t fire. I even put some fuel into the spark plug intake, then re-seated the spark plug. Doesn’t fire. Prior to putting back together I checked and verified that the magneto is generating a spark with my tester after verifying that the gap is set and working (as the flywheel turns). So, I was thinking that I may not be using the correct spark plug.

John C, I’ll try a champion D9 or 509 plug.

Buccaneer, Yes, this appears to be exactly the same as that motor in the video. There is another video that looks very similar:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8i3x5Va70g

JoeCB, I am located in Oregon… in the Willamette valley, south of Portland, Oregon. I cleaned all the crude off of the crank taper and hub before reassembly.

nabmd, thanks for the link. i am now officially addicted. In the last week, I lucked into one vintage Sea King and this antique Champion. The guy selling the Sea King was asking $30. I bought the Champion for $70. I’ve got the Sea King running. Now working on the Champion (a little rust on the chrome/aluminum pars that I cleaned up with tin foil, and a little bit of grime that I brushed off with water and soap… he said he found it in an abandoned house that he and his father bought about 15 to 20 years ago. So, must not have been exposed to the elements.). I love these motors. The simplicity, and straight forward engineering. These are marvels. Lots of fun.

Thanks all, for the great info.

Oldylocks

[oldylocks]

Hi Hotrod,

Thanks for the reply.

The gas tank appears to be chrome (maybe plated?). It has a cool circular pull rope plate covering the top of the flywheel, covering the nut (the nut is not exposed).

Oldylocks

[oldylocks]

Also, I’d be happy to upload a couple of pictures, but don’t see how to upload and image.

Oldylocks

[jcrigan]

Oldylocks, I made some changes to my post above.

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