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Welcome to the April 2002 issue of Outboard News, an electronic newsletter for the outboard enthusiast.
INDUSTRY NEWS Mercury Marine recently entered into a new era of technology by opening North America's only pressurized lost foam foundry, which is located at Mercury's world headquarters in Fond due Lac, WI. The new Mercury Castings' foundry features a proprietary pressurized technology that will serve as a benchmark, not only for the casting industry, but also for the boating industry. Unlike earlier lost foam casting processes, 150 psi of pressure is applied to the molten aluminum after it has been poured. This new casting process allows Mercury to produce highly complex components that have intricate internal features and shapes that are not easily or efficiently created using traditional die-casting methods. Prior to this technology, eight separate die castings were needed to produce a 60 HP block. This new process uses only one cast, which is lighter, less expensive, and also eliminates the need for several subsequent machining operations. Something new is on the horizon. Something that has never before been seen on an outboard motor. Thanks to those terrific new anti-pollution laws, the outboard manufacturers are currently designing catalytic converters to be installed on their engines. The two largest obstacles to overcome in adopting catalysts is keeping water from getting in contact with them, and keeping the engine cool, both of which are the subject of much testing by manufacturers and regulatory agencies. For higher horsepower engines, a catalyst could easily ad $1000 to the price of an engine, and 10-15 pounds weight. SERVICE DEPARTMENT Now that spring has finally arrived, I thought this would be an appropriate time to discuss how to get your outboard ready for the season. Most outboards will fall into one of two basic categories. The first is the outboard that was used last season and then properly winterized and stored. The second is the outboard that has been sitting in the barn or garage for an untold number of years, unused and not winterized. The first is easy. Simply uncover the engine, check that the spark plugs are in tight, top off the lower unit lube, charge the battery and fill the fuel tank with fresh fuel. The engine should start right up and be ready to use. The second situation is more difficult. First, get as much of the old fuel out of the system as possible, and refill with fresh fuel. Next, install new spark plugs. Next drain and fill the lower unit with lube. Now, try to start it and hope for the best. If the engine starts and stays running, let it run for a while to blow out the cobwebs. Check for an adequate flow of cooling water out of the exhaust, and off you go, feeling fortunate that things turned out as well as they did. If the engine did not start, or started but would not stay running, then it's time to get out the tool box. For help on how to proceed next, see previous and future issues of this newsletter. NEW PARTS Laing's Outboards has acquired a large quantity of new old stock Scott-Atwater and McCulloch parts. They include impellers, coils, points, condensers, powerhead gasket sets, piston rings, lower unit seal kits and more. Some of the parts are in large enough quantities that I am able to offer significant quantity discounts. If you like to work on Scotts, now is the time to stock up on parts. Remember; these parts are no longer being manufactured anywhere, so when they are gone, that's it. If you would like an inventory list and more info on prices and discounts, let me know. HISTORICAL INFO 25 years ago- April 1977: A mighty Mercury Black Max 1750 pulls a record 20 water skiers around the lagoon at Sea World, Orlando. This feat broke the previous record of 17 Australian skiers, pulled by a 200 HP OMC outboard. This month's motor is Chrysler. Chrysler is just one part of a long lineage of outboards. It starts with the Kissel Motor Car Co. back in the 1930's, which made small outboards, some of which were sold by Sears under the name Waterwitch. After WWII, Kissel was taken over by West Bend Aluminum Co., which continued to manufacture motors for Sears, calling them Elgin. In the 1950's, West Bend started to sell motors under their own name, and enjoyed much success, gaining a reputation as a manufacturer of high quality products. In 1965, West Bend was purchased by the Chrysler Corp. which continued to manufacture the engines. The Chrysler engines were always good sellers, known as good running, basic, uncomplicated engines. In the early 1980's, the Chrysler Corp was undergoing many financial problems. Part of the financial bail-out plan of Chrysler was that they sell their non-automotive assets. In 1984, the marine division was sold to US Marine of the Brunswick Corp. The engines continued as Force until the line was discontinued in 2000 due to their inability to meet upcoming anti-pollution regulations. Chrysler made so many models of engines, I cannot begin to list the individual model numbers here. If you have specific questions about Chrysler or identifying a model, send me an email. However I will go into more detail in future issues about West Bend and some of private label engines they sold. Next month Clinton |
Laing's Outboard Newsletter May 2002 
