Topic: 1939 Evinrude Sportwin – Antique Outboard Motor Club,Inc

This topic has 9 replies, 5 voices, and was last updated 1 month, 2 weeks ago by Tubs.

Viewing 10 posts - 1 through 10 (of 10 total)

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April 3, 2026 at 10:57 am #313761
Hugh Veit
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US Member
I have a 1939 Evinrude Sportwin. My goal would be to get it running again after over 35 years. It is obvious that the ignition plate needs some work (mouse problem). Are their replacement parts for the ignition system? Are there any other issues that I should be aware of when trying to get it running?
April 3, 2026 at 11:04 am #313765
Waunnaboat
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US Junior Member
clean up the points and check for spark, and if that does not work, try replacing the condenser.

"Outboards seem to multiply exponentially..........I find that for every finished project, there are two more waiting to be completed."
April 3, 2026 at 5:24 pm #313820
Hugh Veit
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US Member
Some of the wires are chewed almost through. Would it be better to get new parts?
April 3, 2026 at 5:40 pm #313823
Buccaneer
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US Member
A photo of your situation would help.

You’re unlikely to find new parts for that motor.
There are several vendors that cater to the antique
outboard hobby. Some are on EBay, and there was
a list posted by Tubs recently on others.

The spark plug wires can be replaced with care.
The primary and secondary coil wiring can be patched
up, or new wires soldering onto the old wire in some
cases.

The attachments show parts for a 1938 Sportstwin.
I don’t know if that is the same as yours.

Prepare to be boarded!
April 3, 2026 at 9:42 pm #313851
Hugh Veit
Participant
US Member
Thanks,

Here are two photos showing the condition of the wiring. One shows the condition of the wiring on the top of the ignition plate; the other shows the condition of the spark plug wire. Is there a link you can provide for the list posted by Tubs ?<!–more–>
April 3, 2026 at 10:36 pm #313862
Buccaneer
Participant
US Member
Those spark plug wires need to be replaced for sure.
You have to be careful not to overheat the secondary tabs
on the coil when soldering on new plug wires, as the
wire inside the coil is “hair thin”, and can’t take much heat.

The secondary wire to the points can probably be patched up.

Maybe Tubs will have the parts supplier list handy. I can’t find it.

Prepare to be boarded!
April 3, 2026 at 10:59 pm #313869
ROBERT LAFAYETTE
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US MEMBER PAY BY CHECK
Spark plug wire 7 mm copper core

along with ignition wire in many gages

like 16-18 gage are available from

Tons Performance or Brillman Company

don’t forget connectors for spark plugs!

a good soldering iron of at least 60 watts

is required to make good hot and fast

connections without causing heat damage to coil.
April 3, 2026 at 11:01 pm #313873
ROBERT LAFAYETTE
Participant
US MEMBER PAY BY CHECK
Spark plug wire 7 mm copper core

along with ignition wire in many gages

like 16-18 gage are available from

Tons Performance or Brillman Company

don’t forget connectors for spark plugs!

a good soldering iron of at least 60 watts

is required to make good hot and fast

connections without causing heat damage to coil.
April 4, 2026 at 11:31 am #313961
Waunnaboat
Participant
US Junior Member
Also just a side note but probably a good idea: make sure you are outside or somewhere with decent ventilation when you are soldering not just for the smell, but because the old solder on the coil wire attatchments is probably lead and you should avoid inhaling it.

"Outboards seem to multiply exponentially..........I find that for every finished project, there are two more waiting to be completed."
April 5, 2026 at 9:31 am #314103
Tubs
Participant
Except for the plug wires, there are no new parts for the magneto, Most likely what you have will still be good after you replace the wires. You should take the points apart and give them a good cleaning,

A "Boathouse Repair" is one thats done without having tools or the skills to do it properly.
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