1940's Evinrude Zephyr 5.4hp help...!

[dgallo_2000]

I recently was given a motor, and would like to know a current spark plug number for this motor, and the gas/oil ratio for it. It does give a current to the plug, but the plugs are over 40 years old, at least! Is there a website or something I can easily get to for more info on this motor?

Thanks!!!!!!!!!

 

[wilde1j]

Re: 1940's Evinrude Zephyr 5.4hp help...!

Ask this guy ... my cousin just bought a '41 Zephyr from him. BTW, I would use 16:1 oiling (TCW-3) and gas with no ethanol (ethanol will destroy soft parts in no time). If you can't find mogas w/o ethanol, get gas from a general aviation airport (generally no ethanol there). Plugs I have no idea about. That's a somewhat touchy motor, but a very good runner when adjusted right.

If your motor needs rebuilding, this guy can do it.

http://www.penn.itgo.com/

 

[dgallo_2000]

Re: 1940's Evinrude Zephyr 5.4hp help...!

ok, so plugs were still good, and i only have one cylinder firing (sparking) right now. I am going to rewire or test the other three to see if I get a spark...

Thanks.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: 1940's Evinrude Zephyr 5.4hp help...!

Coils were a very frequent failure on the old motors. Doug Penn can help you with replacements.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1940's Evinrude Zephyr 5.4hp help...!

Well, you could ask me I've owned a few Zephyrs. I do have a coil I'm willing to sell you if you need one. I sold the two Zephyrs that I had, but I still have a coil here

 

[dgallo_2000]

Re: 1940's Evinrude Zephyr 5.4hp help...!

Early yesterday evening, I thought, what the heck, I filled the can up with water, put some gas in her, and sure is heck, she started right up. It runs good, on fast. The bottom plugs on both sides, have real weak spark, so it does not run well on slow. But it sure felt great to see it run!

Do you think the coils could have anything to do with low spark?

 

[wilde1j]

Re: 1940's Evinrude Zephyr 5.4hp help...!

How long did you run the motor?

Old coils often will have a slight break in the windings which don't show the worst until the motor (and the coils) are fully warmed up, then the open occurs along with poor running.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: 1940's Evinrude Zephyr 5.4hp help...!

Pull the flywheel, check coils/connections/points/condensors/plug wires and replace as necessary. Point gap is .018 or .020, plug gap .025 or .030.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: 1940's Evinrude Zephyr 5.4hp help...!

Pull the flywheel, check coils/connections/points/condensors/plug wires and replace as necessary. Point gap is .018 or .020, plug gap .025 or .030.

Replace as necessary is the problem part, since a lot of parts are not available.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: 1940's Evinrude Zephyr 5.4hp help...!

Have you tried Engine, Blade & Prop in Milwaukee?

 

[wilde1j]

Re: 1940's Evinrude Zephyr 5.4hp help...!

No, but most parts for 30's and early 40's motors have not been made for almost 50 years. I've been in contact with quite a few antique rebuilders and own a few antique motors myself, and it's not rare for us to buy non runners just for parts. Point sets especially are tough for the really old motors and there's just not enough market for anyone to start making new stuff. Replating the contacts on old ones is a real possibility.