1958 Evinrude Lightwin/Ducktwin

[Capt MikeT]

Can anyone tell me whether or not a 1958 3HP Evinrude Lightwin is the same as the 3HP Evinrude Ducktwin. I am curious which years they were made and whether or not they are the same motor.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Lightwin/Ducktwin

The ducktwin has all the same mechanicals as the lightwin, but different paint scheme from the factory (drab brown and another drab color) It also had different decals and was supposed to be used for duck hunting. As far as I know---different only cosmetically but different model #.
JBJ
BTW, I'll brag and say I have a '67 folding ducktwin with 90psi and it's a great, reliable, handy motor to own!

 

[Capt MikeT]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Lightwin/Ducktwin

I just bought a 1958 Lightwin today from eBay. It is in remarkably excellent condition. I would prefer to have the color scheme of the Ducktwin but I will settle for using a burlap sack over the top while duck hunting.

Btw, is there a way for me to post a photo of my new purchase?

 

[Capt MikeT]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Lightwin/Ducktwin

 

[kbait]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Lightwin/Ducktwin

Nice motor! Good call on the gunny sack for hunting.. way too nice original paint to camo.

 

[steelespike]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Lightwin/Ducktwin

Ducktwin 55-68 3 hp, 69,70 4hp.
Lightwin 52-68,
69,70 4 hp.
66,67,68 folding, duck & lightwin
Yachtwin turns up 64-70.
Except for the folding feature I think they are all essentially the same motor.

 

[Capt MikeT]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Lightwin/Ducktwin

Thanks Guys, I appreciate the info. I'm anxious to try it out. It's been many years since I used a motor like this. Back in the early 80's a family friend borrowed his Ducktwin to us for a couple of years. Ever since then, I have loosely kept my eyes open for one. Still to this day it's the best running little motor I have come across.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Lightwin/Ducktwin

Beauty original!

Please don't paint that one!

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Lightwin/Ducktwin

Definitely a super nice looking motor! Even the decals are still nice. I like my ducktwin, but would love to own one like you have as well! You won't find too many of those that don't have banged up tanks----yours is fabulous. Glad you posted pics.
JBJ

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Lightwin/Ducktwin

I say keep the paint original too. Here's a handy link to keep it running a bit longer.

3 HP Evinrude Johnson Outboard Tune-Up Procedure 1952-1967

 

[Capt MikeT]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Lightwin/Ducktwin

I was curious as to what type of gas I should be running in this engine. It's been years since I have used a motor of this age. Is the gas out there these days with all of it's aditives ok to use or should I use only certain types of gas?

I remember that the fuel/oil mixture was 25/1 but I have heard that with the refined oil today that it is ok to run 50/1. Is that ok or should I stick with the old ratio of 25/1?

 

[kbait]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Lightwin/Ducktwin

25/1 fuel mix w/non-ethanol fuel.

 

[nwcove]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Lightwin/Ducktwin

i could be mistaken, but i think your 58 may require 16:1 ( maybe 24:1?) DO NOT run it at 50:1 !! if its not a hassle to get non-ethanol fuel, use it.

 

[steelespike]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Lightwin/Ducktwin

In my 1967 aftermarket service manual it indicates 16:1 for 58.

 

[Capt MikeT]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Lightwin/Ducktwin

Thanks. It should be coming with the original manual so I'll check it out. My biggest concern was the new gasolines that are out there with all of the additives. I just wanted to make sure they would work ok in this older engine.

 

[Crosbyman]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Lightwin/Ducktwin

If you look REAL CLOSE !!! in the vent cap you will find 2 smaller vent holes .

If you open the vent screw on top and the holes are crudded the motor will stop running after a while.

holes are 180 degrees apart ... just run a paper clip to decrud

nice motor.....

I have a beige color JW20b (1964 ?)

headgasket sometimes blow (easy job to replace) on these 3-4hp motors ... do a compression check if any problems creep up

 

[kfa4303]

Re: 1958 Evinrude Lightwin/Ducktwin

+1, 16:1 mix on a model from this era. Generally speaking, most OMC motors up to mid/late 50's run on 16:1, mid 50s-mid60s run 24:1 and post 60s run 50:1. You'll also want to use Champion J4C plugs for this particular model as well.