Reply To: Spotters Quiz

[PM T2]

You would not believe the variety of four-cylinder motors that Evinrude and Elto offered for sale in the 1930-41 time frame. The Owen-Dyneto starter-generator was used on more Evinrude and Elto outboards than any other brand.

Names like Sportfour, Quad, Big Quad, Senior Quad, Speediquad, Speedifour, Big Four – all four-bangers, all available with electric start from the factory.

I would say if I had to bet, the CL motor is most likely an electric-start Speedifour or Speediquad. I have seen other images from other angles. its odd because it has the earlier round starter armature housing, but other angles show the later “veranda” style starter cover (the silver aluminum cover). Without knowing the model number, it’s tough to pin down the exact model. If the round starter housing is the correct one, I’d say my best guess would be that its a Speedifour Electric in the 1931-33 range.

Another possibility would be a Big Four Electric (the model 808 or 809 for 1931, model 816 or 817 for 1932). With those transom screws, it certainly could be the 40 HP model. The Elto’s typically used the mouse-ear type of thumbscrew, such as the ones visible on the Senior Speedster Electric in the image posted by Garry. Those get broken off a lot. The CL motor has the paddle-type transom screw that is seen on many outboards of that era, including the Lockwood Chief.

Hope this helps. If it doesn’t, feel free complain to upper management.

Best,
PM T2

He's livin' in his own private Idaho..... I hope to go out quietly in my sleep, like my grand-dad did..... and not screaming, like the passengers in his car...