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Welcome to the October 2002 issue of Outboard News, an electronic newsletter for the outboard enthusiast.
INDUSTRY NEWS Bombardier Motor Corp (BMC) is expanding the Evinrude and Johnson lines for 2003. In the Evinrude line of direct-fuel injected two strokes, BMC is broadening the offering with a 200 HP High Output outboard. This will come with a 20 inch shaft and Lightening gearcase featuring a high performance nosecone and low water intakes. It will compliment the 225 HO which was in the 2002 lineup. The Evinrude 250 will be available in a 20 inch as well as a 25 inch shaft version. What's more, new lower horsepower Evinrude models are in the works, and we may see a mid 2003 introduction of these engines. As before, the Johnson line will include conventional, carbureted two-strokes and four stroke outboards. New in the four stoke line are 90, 115 and 140 HP models- all featuring electronic fuel injection and built by Suzuki. In fact, all Johnson four strokes from 40 HP and up, are built by Suzuki. Mercury Marine has abandoned plans to relocate its Placida, Fla., engine testing facility to a site on Florida's Blackwater River. Despite some big advantages to the site, opposition from neighbors and months of back-and-forth with the state Department of Environmental Protection caused Mercury to withdraw its application. Mercury was willing to make concessions, but in the end it became apparent the conditions would have made the operation "fairly inefficient". Mercury has already sold the Placida facility and is considering several other sites for relocation. SERVICE DEPARTMENT It's that time of year again. Time to winterize your outboard motor. We went into this in detail in a previous newsletter, but briefly, make sure there is no water in your lower unit, and drain as much fuel from the fuel system as possible. If you have gas in the tanks, add some stabilizer. These simple steps will protect you motor from any damage from the winter weather. Last month we resealed a lower unit on an 18 HP Johnson. Now suppose you have a 50 HP Mercury from the 60's or 70's. This is a very common motor, and it is very common for the lower units to be leaking. If you pressure tested your unit, you know where it is leaking. If you did not pressure test, it is a safe bet it is leaking from the driveshaft seal. This is usually the first place to start leaking on a Merc. In the 60's and 70's, Mercury used a lower quality steel on the driveshaft and it is common for them to rust in the area of the seal. Remove the water pump assembly including the lower pump housing. Place a rag around the driveshaft above the driveshaft bearing to catch any dirt, and clean the shaft with some emery cloth. With a new seal installed in the lower pump housing, this will reduce the leakage around the driveshaft to a negligable amount. If your shaft is badly corroded, the only options are to replace the shaft or install a speedi-sleeve over the corroded part. (Call or email for more info on speedi-sleeves). If the shift rod or prop shaft seals are leaking, these require special tools to replace properly. This job might be better left to the repair shop. If you really want to try it, contact me for further instructions. If you have any service questions, let me know and we will answer them in an upcoming newsletter. HISTORICAL Below are excerpts from Mercury Sales Bulletins: August 22, 1950 To All Dealers Subject: Grantland Rice Paramount Sports Film A motion picture short subject titled "OUTBOARD SHENANIGANS", is scheduled for September-October release. It is one of the finest sports films ever made, and it features MERCURY OUTBOARD MOTORS exclusively. The subject matter is highly spectacular and will create a great deal of interest in Mercury when the picture is shown. July 2, 1957 To All Dealers Subject: Rumor Campaign by Mercury Competitors During recent months there seems to have been a concerted effort on the part of some of our competitors, including OMC and Scott-Atwater to circulate damaging rumors regarding Kiekhaefer Corporation, its products and, in some cases its executives. One very prevelant rumor is the statement that "Mercury is a racing engine and no good for anything else." We therefore must ask your cooperation in reporting promtly to us any such incidents. Please include in your report the details of the incident, stating the name of the person making any derogatory statements about our Company or products, his Company and position, the time and place of the remarks and names of any other persons present. April 20,1949 To All Dealers Subject: Model KF5 "Super 5" Price Change The Kiekhaefer Corporation has shown there to be a direct loss on each KF5 model shipped. Obviously this cannot continue. We cannot make cost reductions or compromises that would be reflected in Mercury quality or performance. There is but one alternative, we must raise the list price. On or after the 25th of April, 1949 the FOB Cedarburg list price on the KF5 model will be $179.50. This months motor will be Comanco. Comanco has a confusing history. It is related to the Milburn Cub, Continental, Commando and Husky. If anyone knows the story, please send it in. Here is the information we have. Model Number HP 1956 Continental Sport 2.5 1957 Sport 1000 3 Sport Delux 1000 3 Commando 1000 3 Commando Delux 1000 3 Kit K1000 3 Kit Delux K1000 3 1958 Commando 302 8000 3 Commando 307 8000 3 Sport 300 8000 3 Sport 305 8000 3 Kit K8000 3 1959 305 5900 2.5 300 2.5 Kit 2.5 |
Laing's Outboard Newsletter August/September 2002 
