Thank you for the reply. Let me ask this question a different way – should I not buy this motor because it uses a Mark 1 ignition? Is this type of ignition a problem? Is it possible to upgrade the mark 1 ignition to a mark3 ignition without any modifications to the motor? The looks great, but the seller says he will not test it for running condition. I want a british Seagull for a canoe to be used in the salt water bay areas. I understand that these are perfect for that application. Thank you.
If the seller is not willing to demonstrate running condition, then there is trouble with the motor despite good cosmetic appearances. Villiers ignition is still available. A few years back that was not the case.
If I am not mistaken, you canupgrade the ignition to Mark II or III, but you will have to get a new ignition plate set up. It will include coils, points/condenser or power pack and sensor. Oh, a different flywheel. You are looking at potentially $200 to $225 worth of parts. The motor is already $800 in presumed non running condition.
New (not new old stock, but new) Mark I (Villiers) ignition parts can be obtained from this website.
http://www.villiersparts.co.uk/ignition.html
A website dedicated to British Seagulls is the site listed below.
http://www.saving-old-seagulls.co.uk/
Production of the British Seagulls outboards ceased in the mid 1990s
Cheers,
Cajuncook1
