Topic: 1931 EVINRUDE 401 QUESTIONS – Antique Outboard Motor Club,Inc

This topic has 15 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 5 years, 11 months ago by keplerfan.

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May 2, 2018 at 7:22 pm #9804
keplerfan
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US Member - 2 Years
So I ordered the battery recommended by Tubs and it turns out that this model 401 (if that is what it is) has great spark. I also found a lower unit with a good skeg which is on it’s way. Now I need to start the motor to make sure it runs right. I need to know the fuel/oil mix ratio as well as the recommended lower unit oil. Also, what is the spark plug I need?

Does anybody have any guesses as to why this model 401 or 407 seven has a battery type ignition? The guy I bought it from claimed it to be a 1935 elto 5.5hp. Is there any chance that this was made by elto?
May 2, 2018 at 9:32 pm #75238
pm-t2
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Canada Member - 2 Years
By the time that motor was built, Elto and Evinrude were operating under the same umbrella. It has a battery-ignition because it is an Elto. That was one of their distinguishing features. Evinrudes were sold with flywheel magnetos.

I would say that you have a model 401, its the most common one that shows up. Whichever it happens to end up being, it definitely is NOT a 1935 motor. If its a 401, its a 1931 model. 407 would make it a ’32.

Use grease in the lower unit, not oil.

Mix it at 1/3 pint of oil per gallon of gasoline and you can’t go wrong. Original plug was a Champion 6M. You can use a modern Champion D9 or D16

Hope this helps.

Best,
PM T2
May 3, 2018 at 1:52 pm #75271
The Boat House
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May 7, 2018 at 9:47 pm #75516
keplerfan
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US Member - 2 Years
anybody know the gap for the points?
May 8, 2018 at 5:43 am #75543
garry-in-michigan
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Lifetime Member
Twenty thousandths on the points, twenty five thousandths on the plugs . . . 😉
May 8, 2018 at 2:51 pm #75557
eltoquad
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US Member
If that motor has the regular battery ignition used by Elto (Atwater Kent) the points should be at at .009" to .010" , not .020"
May 8, 2018 at 7:08 pm #75575
keplerfan
Participant
US Member - 2 Years
I gapped at .020 and got it to fire up once. I can’t get it started now. when checking for spark I notice that the port side spark cuts out but the starboard is fine. Does anybody know what causes this? Can I use a lightfour/zephyr coil in this motor and if so will I need a new condenser?
May 8, 2018 at 9:14 pm #75583
Tom
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US Member
You know you need to ground one side to get spark in the other, right?

T
May 8, 2018 at 11:20 pm #75591
keplerfan
Participant
US Member - 2 Years
there is a ground wire. perhaps the connection needs cleaned?
May 8, 2018 at 11:21 pm #75592
keplerfan
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US Member - 2 Years
there is only one ground. should there be 2?
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