It’s a Cal Jet from the 1960’s. This is a deluxe model. I think your decal must say 3.8 hp and not 8 hp as the Cal Jets used a 4 hp Lauson Power Products – Tecumseh air cooled power head. It’s a very neat motor. I have the Econo-Jet version. It pushes more like a 2 hp or less. It’s not especially rare or valuable. I paid $100 for mine and I get chastised about it all the time. Money well spent to me. It’s a goofy underperforming outboard with this crazy windup starter recoil – I love it.
Also, here is some information I learned about mine that is INVALUABLE. Mine would overheat. Turns out I had the carb set to lean.
Exclamation Re: Help identify Lauson outboard jetdrive?
When you adjust your carb, do not set it so the engine sings like a bee at high speed! Proper setting is to adjust for best running, after the engine is warmed up, THEN back out the fuel adjuster until the engine JUST begins to break up. If you set up too lean, it causes overheating as described in the forum posted by Steve AW. At idle, set for best running, then back out the needle 1/8 turn. Steve, if you are on that forum, please pass along the info I posted. The owner probably has it set too lean. One other thing will cause heating – bad crankshaft seals.
I am surprised that that engine has the wind up starter. Those starters were only used for a few years, due to the fact that the sudden application of the strong spring on the pawl and crankshaft often lead to 2 things. 1) the starter pawl would break out the side of the starter cup on the engine or 2) the starter would actually snap the crank, where it passed into the block! A better choice would have been the pull cord starter. They both use the same starter cup and mounting on the engine shroud. Nice looking units!
Wayne
Upper Canada Chapter
uccaomci.com
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