Outboard Motor

Laing's Outboard Newsletter June/July 2002
Outboard Motor | Wednesday, 20 August 2008

Dramatic changes in the outboard world continue. The long and historic line of West Bend-Chrysler-Force will officially come to an end in 2002. Mercury Marine, who produced Force outboards and had continued to supply many West Bend and Chrysler parts, has announced the they will no longer support these motors after this year. That means that all Force dealerships will be dropped, and no more parts will be produced. Mercury will totally disassociate themselves from West Bend-Chrysler-Force.

What this means is that anyone who owns one of these motors should start to stock up on replacement parts while they are still available. The aftermarket companies will continue to carry some parts like points and condensers, fuel parts, gaskets and some impellers, but anything that is just made by Mercury will be hard to find after the current stock is gone.

When asked why Mercury will no longer support these engines, the Mercury representative said "It's too expensive."

We are now down to two American outboards: Mercury and Johnson/Evinrude. Which will be the next to go?

SERVICE DEPARTMENT

This time of year, our service department is deluged with phone calls asking for general information on outboards. I thought it may be interesting to share some of these questions.

By far, the most common question we get is: "I forgot what the oil-gas mix is for my motor. Can you tell me?"

The answer is usually 50-1. Most outboards still being used today that require a gas-oil mix run fine on 50-1. The only exceptions are your older 1950's vintage motors that still need a 25-1 mix.

Number two is: "Why won't my motor start? It ran good last time I used it 10 years ago" The answer to this question is usually slightly longer than the previous question. Are you using fresh gas? Or is the gas 10 years old too? Try draining the carb and pump fresh gas into it. Install new spark plugs, making sure you have the plug wires hooked up properly. If it still doesn't start, you better bring it in to the shop.

Number three is: "My motor has a low speed miss. How can I fix it?" The answer is usually that the carb is running too lean. Many people test run their motors at home on a garden hose or in a bucket of water, and adjust the carb for a good idle with no load on the motor, which will often result in too lean a setting when under power. Try turning the adjustment screw out about 1/4 turn.

Number four is: "My motor stalls when I slow down to shift. What can I do about it?" Well, everyone should know where their idle speed stop screw is located. As throttle linkages become sloppy from age, the idle speed needs to be reset periodically (Force motors are especially known for this). Find your idle stop and raise your idle speed slightly. This should correct the problem.

The following is from an old Mercury dealer mailing dated August 19, 1955

     MERCURY BOAT HOUSE BULLETIN: A factual report
     from the Mercury proving grounds.

Make of boat: Penn Yan

Built by: Penn Yan Boat Co.

Boat type: Runabout (Swift)

Net hull weight 235lbs

All tests are conducted over an accurately measured

course, and certified by a graduate engineer.

Engine Mark 55 prop 48-23587

Transom height Tilt Pin Hole Speed

This bulletin is strictly for the people who are interested

in speed only, and to show how a boat is set up for

speed. An addition was built on the transom and two

metal braces were installed to reinforce same.

In setting up a boat for maximum speed, run the first test

with the engine way in close to the transom; then move it

out one tilt pin hole at a time until maximim performance

Next start adding 1/4 " sticks (rev sticks) on top of the

transom until speed starts dropping off or the prop starts

cavitating; when this happens, lower the transom 1/4"

and the boat should be set proper for top speed.

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