OMC Fold-Light Question

[Aidan Smith]

Hello! I am interested by the 30’s OMC Fold-Light line, sold by Lockwood, Elto, and Evinrude. For those who have them, I have heard that the ignitions are different from other similar-era motors. Would anyone have experience with parts and how to fix the ignition on these? While I am still searching for one, I thought that I should read up on some of the basic knowledge surrounding them. And does anyone know jf there are any service or parts manuals still floating around?

Thanks, Aidan

"Shells sink, dreams float. Life's good on our boat."
1931 Johnson A-50
1950 Mercury KF-7
1951 Mercury KG-7
1956 Johnson JW-12R

[RICHARD A. WHITE]

That would depend on whether it is battery ignition of magneto ignition.

The battery ignition are certainly different and some of us prefer them.

I am able to replicate the original battery ignition coil with aftermarket setup I designed so a bad coil does not mean a junk motor.

 

Richard

http://www.richardsoutboardtools.com
classicomctools@gmail.com

[Aidan Smith]

As a first-timer with these motors, would you recommend the battery ignition or the magneto?

 

Aidan

"Shells sink, dreams float. Life's good on our boat."
1931 Johnson A-50
1950 Mercury KF-7
1951 Mercury KG-7
1956 Johnson JW-12R

[Tubs]

There are 3 Folding motors manufactured between 1929 & 1934. The 30’s OMC “Foldlight” model, sold as Lockwood, Elto, Sea King, and Evinrude were manufactured from 1930 to 1934 and have a magneto. The failure of the coils is common but the inexpensive OMC style coil can be substituted. Photos attached. In 1929 there is the “Folding Lightweight”, having a battery ignition, and the “Folding Sportwin” also known as the “Folding N”. In the two links below, I explain the differences in the two models. As far as which I would recommend, you can see I’m partial to the Folding Lightweight in the 3rd link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SnKfIBzn8c
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9NiPC126fY&t=29s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1ext_nsrYM&t=22s

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

[Author]

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