Welcome to the November 2003 issue of Outboard News, an electronic newsletter for the outboard enthusiast.
INDUSTRY NEWS Canada's Bombardier Corp. announced that it reached an agreement to sell its Recreational Products Division to an investor group including descendants of company founder Joseph-Armand Bombardier. The sale of the division to the family was the outcome predicted by many in the boating industry since Bombardier's intention to sell the division was announced. The price tag on the recreational products division, which includes the Johnson and Evinrude assembly plant in Wisconsin was about $875 million U.S. The announcement of the transaction was good for the industry because, once finalized, it will end the uncertainty about the long term future for the major outboard engine manufacturer which existed since the bankruptcy filing by OMC in 2000. Mercury Marine says nothing has been decided yet, but it is considering building some of its outboard models in China. The possibility of such a production shift, which the company says has been openly discussed for about 2 years, has raised concerns among Mercury's union employees in its hometown of Fond due Lac, Wis. Company officials said the 60 HP and under engines will probably be moving to China within the next three years. Officials cite low production costs and the potential in the Chinese marketplace as reasons for the move. SERVICE DEPARTMENT This months service topic will be winterizing. Fortunately, winterizing an outboard is easy with a few basic supplies. The most important thing is to drain the lube out of the lower unit, in case there is any water in it. Water in a gearcase can freeze and crack the housing, and ruin the shafts and bearings. If there is more than a few drops of water in the unit, you probably have a leaking seal. Winter is a good time to reseal your lower unit. To drain the lube, remove both the drain and fill plugs in the lower unit, and let all the old lube run out. To refill, you can buy new lube in plastic squeeze tubes (messy way), or in quart bottles and use a hand pump (easy way). Either way, fill through the bottom drain hole until it runs out the upper (vent) hole. Then install the vent plug, remove the squeeze tube or hand pump and install the drain plug. The next step is to add stabilizer to the remaining gas in the tank, to prevent the gas from deteriorating over the winter. If possible, run the stabilized gas through the motor. Then disconnect the gas line from the front of the engine and let the gas burn out until the engine stops. You may also spray some fogging solution into the carb while running out the gas. That's all there is to winterizing your outboard. While the motor is in a vertical position, all the water will run out of the cooling system. The motor can then be stored outside on the boat with no damage. HISTORICAL We will continue with Eska model numbers Model HP 1976 1973B 3 1974B 4.5 1975B 5.5 1944D 7.5 1976B 7.5 1978C 9.9 1979C 15 1977 14058 1.2 14089 2.5 14034 3.5 14035 5 14036 5 14037 7.5 14038 7.5 14059 7.5 14039 9.9 14040 15 1978 14058 1.2 14110 1.5 14089 2.5 14034 3.5 14035 5 14106 5 14107 7.5 14108 7.5 14109 9.9 1979 14058 1.2 14089 2.5 14034 3.5 14035 5 14106 5 14107 7.5 14108 7.5 14109 9.9 14110 15 1980 14139 3.5 14140 5 14141 7.5 14152 9.9 14153 15 The models and model numbers remain basically unchanged until production is discontinued in 1987. The years are determined by serial numbers, which is too cumbersome to print here. If you need more information, call. A good source for parts for Eska products is Certified Parts Corp. at 1-800-356-0777. Next month Hiawatha.
Welcome to the December 2003 issue of Outboard News, an electronic newsletter for the outboard enthusiast. Source: Laing's Outboards |
Laing's Outboards Newsletter December 2003 
