need a little help with this old outboard

[my3wags]

hey guys,
need some help identifing what year this sea king is. Going to restore this with my son and display in my office. The only numbers on it that I can find is RF34ED1 or it could be RF34LD1.
Thanks for your help
Erik

 

[JasonAych]

Re: need a little help with this old outboard

It is a Thor made by Kiekhaefer just before rebadged Mercury. Mid 30's. Thor made Sea Kings for Montgomery Wards. Some say that is why Kiekhaefer got into the business, for MW.

It would be a shame to sit it on a wall. I don't think there are alot out there. If it is capable, it should be running a boat. Just my .02. It's yours to do with what you please.

 

[my3wags]

Re: need a little help with this old outboard

Thanks for the info. I was thinking it was in the mid to late 30's. Well, it does have compression and turns freely. We tore most of it down last night. I was surprised on the condition of it, not too bad for 70+ years old. We'll see if I can get her running.

Thanks again
Erik

 

[glastronomic]

Re: need a little help with this old outboard

I for one would like to see the complete engine in a picture, please.
Such a history and big influence on all things in recreational boating.

 

[my3wags]

Re: need a little help with this old outboard

Here a few more pics before I took it apart.

 

[my3wags]

Re: need a little help with this old outboard

While glass beading parts I found another number on the base of the crankcase housing. very light stamping so I think it is
V3113 OR W3113 anybody have any info on these numbers?

Thanks again
Erik

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: need a little help with this old outboard

Well, I hate to say it, but the reason that it is in fine shape mechanically, is because no one could ever get these things to run right. So...a lot of these that are fortunate enough to be in exhistance are very low hours motors and would restore easily. This is a cool little motor you have here. It would be nice to see it restored.

 

[JasonAych]

Re: need a little help with this old outboard

Well, I hate to say it, but the reason that it is in fine shape mechanically, is because no one could ever get these things to run right. So...a lot of these that are fortunate enough to be in exhistance are very low hours motors and would restore easily. This is a cool little motor you have here. It would be nice to see it restored.

Obviously by your handle, Zephyrs are your thing. I guess you'd agree that the Zephyr and this Thor are common in this trait? :facepalm:

 

[my3wags]

Re: need a little help with this old outboard

thought I would post up some pictures of the progress.

torn down and blasted, primered, ready for paint

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begining to assemble

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lots of time polishing

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I have a little more assembly to do then into the tank for a test run....

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: need a little help with this old outboard

sweet

 

[Steve A W]

Re: need a little help with this old outboard

Thats looking good!!
If I remember right there was something wrong with the design
of the carb. and thats what Mr. Kiekhaefer fixed.
Good Luck. And let Us know when You Dunk Her and Run Her.
Steve A W

 

[my3wags]

Re: need a little help with this old outboard

Update.... With extensive research and a bunch of help from good people on the net we came to the conclusion that this is a 1937 Sea King. I was able to acquire a 1937 Montgomery Ward summer/spring catalog. I has a page dedicated to the Sea King motors. Mine was sold for $34 and change back then!! pretty amazing.

Almost done now. I just finished the tank. It had whole lot of pin holes in it that took some time to patch. I ended up putting a liner in it to ensure it doesn't leak. Just waiting for the decal to come.

She does have spark and I don't see a reason why she wont run. I my only concern is the fuel delivery. It's just something I'm going to have to play with. I'll update once I get her running.

Now it's on to the display stand.....

here are a few pic's

 

[mrcrabs]

Re: need a little help with this old outboard

ain't that a peach...nice job.

 

[Steve A W]

Re: need a little help with this old outboard

My3wags
Sir, You are an artist!
That is one beautiful motor!
Steve A W

ps: Interesting stand!

 

[billboater]

Re: need a little help with this old outboard

WOW,nice work..

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: need a little help with this old outboard

Excellent work...keep it tied down at the office or might disappear. Too shiny for gas and oil now, should make a good display.

 

[my3wags]

Re: need a little help with this old outboard

Thanks guys! We had a great time doing this project. We finnished up the stand today. I think it looks fantastic. We put a 7" digital picture frame on it to display the progress along the way. I think it will look fantastic in my office.

Thanks again for your kind words.

 

[Mas]

Re: need a little help with this old outboard

VERY NICE!

Mas

 

[Wingedwheel]

Re: need a little help with this old outboard

That is beautiful...Great job!