How is HP selected on old Elgin Outboards?

Chris1956

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I saw a utube video where a guy ran a 1957 Elgin 12HP, in 5HP, 7.5HP and 12HP "modes". The selection of power was via a keyswitch on the motor. How is this accomplished? RPM limiter? Cylinder deactivation?
 

racerone

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No-----It just restricts amount of throttle opening.----And an educated guess on the HP at each setting.
 

flashback

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I was 9 years old and if I wanted to take the boat out by myself Pop would limit me to 5 hp..
 

jbcurt00

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I'd guess it was partially so same motor could be used on differently rated boats....

Were there hp restricted lakes in the mid 50s?
 

flashback

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Best I remember it ran well and after I got a bit older Pop would set it to 7.5 hp. And finally went to heaven when he set it to 12. God he liked to play with my head!
 

airshot

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I'd guess it was partially so same motor could be used on differently rated boats....

Were there hp restricted lakes in the mid 50s?
None that I knew of...I was an avid young boater back then, big motors were 25 hp!! My dad had a 7.5 hp Elgin motor, I was king of the river for a couple years until rhe other kids dads moved up to 10 hp motors !! My uncle bought one of the first 50 hp V4 outboards in the area. That thing was a monster compared to all the little motors, big ole 4 barrel carb, man did that thing suck fuel !! Even electric motors were crude and didn't run long on an old car battery and they moved slow. Best I can remember are " no motors" as the only restriction I can recall.....
 

airshot

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The V-4 model 50 HP had a 2 barrel downdraft carburetor.
Can only recall as a kid, with the cover off I saw 4 big holes and all the adults were talking about a monster size 4 bbl. I knew he complained about all the gas it sucked up.
 

racerone

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Yes they were thirsty.-----The V-4 50 only had 2 big holes for the 2 barrel carburetor.----The 85 HP V-4 in 68 also had a 2 barrel downdraft carburetor.
 

jimmbo

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The 64 thru 68 90hp/100hp had the 4bbl, actually 4 carbs in common body
 
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