You should start by reading “Art’s 5 point Revitialization Plan” on this site purchase a parts manual and shop manual and possibly an owners manual for the engine. Familiarize yourself with their contents. As you determine your needs, we will try to help you from there.
The Old Outboard Book by Peter Hunn is the answer. It’s a terrific basic information source. You may also be interested in checking out the Antique Outboard Motor Club.
On Evinrude and Elto there is a 3/4 inch diameter round brass plug on the crankcase or cylinder that has the model and serial number. Johnson motors serial numbers are usually on the rope plate or on the crankcase. Most motors from 1950 to 1960 have a serial number plate on the transom clamp bracket. For PRE-1959 MOTORS ONLY, if you Contact us with the model (or horsepower) & serial number we’ll be glad to look up the year for you.
For PRE-1959: Evinrude, Elto, Johnson you’ll have to contact us with the model (or horsepower) & serial number and we’ll be glad to look up the year for you.
Generally, this is not possible for most older outboards. We need the model number.
The currently preferred fuel is Regular gas. All pre World War II non-racing outboards can operate safely on a 16 to 1 (1/2 pint per gallon) fuel/oil mixture using modern TCW 3 oil except higher (25 hp and up) use 3/4 to 1 pint per gallon.
NO! Lead was never needed or desireable in any 2 cycle engine. The oil that is mixed with the gas provides all the needed lubrication.
This is not an easy question to answer, as it is dependent on many factors. The best place to find information on the value of old outboards is in Peter Hunn’s The Old Outboard Book Volume II.
Old outboard motors originally used a light grease. We still feel this is the best choice for these older motors. 105 Lubiplate, which is the equivalent of the light grease, is available from oldmercs.com.
You can place an order by mail, We are not able to accept orders directly online at this time, however we may be able to add this feature in the future.
We ship by United States Postal Service the day after the order is received unless an item is out of stock.
No we do not do repairs.
While we try to help folks any time we can, it is frequently impossible to diagnose problems without examining your motor “hands-on”. Please consider before emailing us, whether it wouldn’t be better to have a mechanic look at it in person. If your motor is older than your local dealer is willing to service, we’ll do our best to help you, but we also expect you to do your best to help yourself. This would include obtaining the proper manuals and following any applicable diagnostic procedure. When you contact us, please have all of the necessary information available such as model or horsepower, serial number and part numbers or descriptions. We ask you kindly not to email us with questions that you can easily look up in your service manual. If you still find yourself in need of technical help or advice you can email us at adekalb@precisionserv.com.
Not at this time.