The 401 was a descendent of the battery-ignition folding Lightweight that first was sold in 1929 and was also available in 1930 as the model 309. In 1931 they discontinued the folding leg and called it a “Special Lightweight” and assigned it model number 360. This motor used the same powerhead as the folding Lightweight, but was only in production for a very short time and was quickly superceded by the model 401 Lightweight with an updated powerhead and smaller ignition coil with the “Special” part of the name dropped.
The model 401 was built using two different ignition systems, and both of them were battery powered. The Atwater-Kent timer that used the typical Elto “dogbone” timer strap was only used on the first 1999 Lightweights built. After that, they switched over to what I refer to as the “Evinrude-Elto” timer that was used for many years in the 1930’s. This timer uses more conventional points that are actuated off the flywheel hub instead of a timer strap. The starting instructions are different, depending which ignition system was on the motor. I’ve attached scans of the operator booklet to illustrate this.
Hope this helps.
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...
