Regarding the questions about the motor itself, and leaving the battery topic out since its been more than adequately covered…..
The model 401 Lightweight was produced in 1931 as the successor to the folding Lightweight of 1929-30 and the non-folding Special Lightweight model 360 that was only briefly produced in early 1931. I would say that I’ve seen more of the model 401’s in my time than any other version of the Elto Lightweight series. The model 360 Special Lightweight used the same 3.5 hp powerhead as the earlier folding motor, but the 401 used an updated 4 hp engine to power it. The model 360 and model 401 used the same transom bracket, leg, and lower unit. The model 401 used two different ignition systems, with the earlier Atwater-Kent timer being used until motor #1999, after which the ignition was revised to what I refer to as the Evinrude-Elto timer and spark coil. Both systems used a battery as the power source. I’ve attached scans of the Starting and Operating Instructions for both styles of ignition for reference.
The model 401 isn’t particularly rare. At one point last winter I had four or five of them laying around. They’re probably still here if they didn’t sprout legs and paws that would enable them to walk away. There is a correct way to wire them up and it involves connecting a battery wire to the stud on the tiller handle. The spring-loaded button on the end of the tiller acts as a kill switch but it can’t work if the battery connections aren’t done properly. Hope this helps.
Best,
PM T2,
Elto Special Interest Group Leader
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...
