Evinrude Light Four and a pair of Johnson HD25s

[solomonman]

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

 

 

 

[bobw]

One source I have says 4389 would be a 1944 model – see attached.    Another source says what you found, i.e. 1945-1949.

Bob

1937 Champion D2C Deluxe Lite Twin
1954 Johnson CD-11
1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18
1958 Johnson QD-19
1958 Johnson FD-12
1959 Johnson QD-20

“Every 20 minute job is only a broken bolt away from a 3-day project.”
"Every time you remove a broken or seized bolt an angel gets his wings."

[solomonman]

bobw,

Thanks for the information!

Probably a dumb question, any idea on what is meant by simplex starter?

Thanks,

Chris

[labrador-guy]

solo welcome!  Join our club and you will find lots of info in our Autique Outboarder magazine.  It has some history about the light four Evinrude and the Speeditwin in the July issue.  Maybe you know someone that will let you see that Magazine?

Joining has its privileges!

dale

 

[crosbyman]

this book for $20 will help you service  oldys

1922-1964 Johnson 302231 Outboard Service Manual (watercraftmanuals.com)

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

[solomonman]

crosbyman wrote:

this book for $20 will help you service  oldys

1922-1964 Johnson 302231 Outboard Service Manual (watercraftmanuals.com)

Dale,

Been a member on an off for over a decade…I did take a hiatus recently for a short time, a couple years I believe and recently (couple weeks back) renewed/rejoined.  We bought a new place and now have a hobby farm. Still moving and setting up and we bought the place 9 years ago.

Did I mention I have 5 kids and a wife…so free time to play with the outboards or even wrench on something is very limited.

crosbyman,

Thanks for the link…I believe I may have that manual in print. Now I have to search for it since the move…I keep thinking its two books but they are large softcover books….Will the Evinrude be in the manual even though its a Johnson manual?…I keep thinking the book might have mentioned the other equivalent motor.

Thanks everyone for the help,

Chris

 

[crosbyman]

It is a johnson book but  aside from minute stuff and  cowls they are pretty much the same imho…

I got the original book but also got the electronic version downloaded on my laptop and PC     well worth 20$

also had it printed locally and spring bound  with plastic cover sheets for flat easy reading 🙂 at the cottage

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

[Author]

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