Reply To: champion outboard

[David Stanton]

The Champions that have value are the “Hotrod” racing versions. There was a racing version of the 16 HP for class B hydroplanes and a racing version of the 7.9 for class A Hydroplanes (and later the 8.5 HP that replaced the 7.9). Class A doesn’t exist anymore.

Where I live in Minnesota, the 7.9s are fairly common. I’ve gotten them for zero to $50. If you take the exhaust housing off, be sure the cooling tubes don’t get bent so the driveshaft rubs on them, as it will rub holes in the tubes.

The last place to sell parts for Champions was Swanson Outboard in Rogers, MN. He got the factory parts stock when Champion went out of business in 1958, but Lyle Swanson closed the business and retired in the late ’80s or early ’90s, and word is there weren’t many parts left. The magneto was purchased “off the shelf” by Champion, and some of those parts are available. Points can be filed, and condensors are generic. Carbs just about never need parts, just cleaning, and if needed, you can make a new bowl gasket. They had Tillotson carbs and occasionally some parts for those show up, but I’ve never needed a carb kit for a Champion. If you need any major parts, you may want to consider designating one of your motors as a “parts motor” for the other two. Of course, you can always post a free “Wanted” ad on the classified board here and someone will likely have the parts you need. Unless one of your motors is a model 4LHD “Hydrodrive” with the hydrostatic lower unit (these will have a hydrostatic lever with a neutral position on the port side), use heavy grease in the lower unit like Lubriplate 105, or I sometimes use water-resistant wheel bearing grease meant for boat trailer wheels. Common outboard gear oil was not spec’ed for them and will likely leak out.
Dave