Hi Guys
I recently decided to explore Elgin outboards, heretofore ignored in favour of the more common names found around here. The main attraction was the word Elgin embossed on the top of the recoil. That was so attractive that I had to check out these motors for other details.
Going deeper it seemed that these Sears motors might actually be decent, even though they were viewed as somewhat second class to the major brands, when I was a kid.
Anyway, I now have 2 1958 brown 7.5s (with the neat side throttle) , a green 5hp (54/55) that runs and pumps fine, and a very recently acquired 2hp air cooled brown one , also from 1958,
It is the 2hp that I’m asking about here.
I got it running and it is pretty smooth and idles dead low. The plug that came with it is CJ8 , pretty much a lawnmower plug.
I’ve read several posts that call for an H11J or J11C plug. But isn’t that high number a hotter plug, and shouldn’t a cooler plug like a JC4 go here? My understanding is that these air cooled little guys run hot and should have a cold plug.
Any opinions on this?
I will say that these motors are pretty interesting, and actually look to be fairly well made.
I have read the history ( West Bend etc.) Just wish there were more “ old tales” about these. Too bad the impellers are such a problem.
Oh , yeah, my 2hp pipsqueak came with no recoil and I don’t think I’ll ever find one, but I’m negotiating with a stubborn seller for his early 60’s West Bend Shrimp ( 3.5hp) basically the same motor but this one has a recoil which looks to be a interchangeable with the Elgin 2hp, so I guess I’ll just share the recoil between the 2 motors.
Still looking for the little 1.5 with the elegant exhaust pipe leading down into the leg. There are some on Craigslist, but all in the US and shipping would cost more than the motor itself.
Anyway, that’s my Elgin adventure so far.
Comments welcome.
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