Eska

[Jeff Bishop]

Hi, I have a 1961 Eska Blue Jet 5.0 hp outboard that I bought used in 1977. I've been running it now for 30 years. It's ugly but runs perfectly with good power and compression.

It has a small fuel tank, but no external tank. I've got fuel tanks and all the couplers needed. The last trip I used this motor on was 125 river miles on my Jon Boat. Obviously I filled the fuel tank far more times than I care to remember!

I would like to know if there is a vacuum fuel pump that will allow me to use the vacuum/pressure of the crankcase to power. I'm comfortable drilling and tapping a hole into the crankcase for a barb.

Is something like this available?
Where can I find one?

Thanks,
Jeff Bishop

 

[steelespike]

Re: Eska

On newer Eskas there is a pump element included in the carb.It appears to be set into the mounting flange it is pulsed by changes in the crankcase pressure.There are also aftermarket pulse pumps that could be retro fitted.
A small engine shop might have such a thing.You would probably have to determine the best place to tap into the crank case.
If you get a service manual you may be able to tell if the pump type carb will work on your motor.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Eska

It's entirely possible that your 61 Eska already has the pulse hole. Pull the carburetor and check behind the gasket on the crankcase. If there's a small hole there, then that's your pulse source.

If so, find a carb from a later 5 hp Eska that has the external tank. Think Sears...there are tons of those outboards forgotten in folks garages. The fuel pump element slides into a cavity in the carburetor. It's a red rubber bladder sort of thing, and the carb has a couple of primitive flap valves under the fuel inlet cover. The parts are available for replacement at certifiedpartscorp.com, a great source for all things Eska.

If the hole isn't there, well, you have some work to do.

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: Eska

Wow Jeff...125 miles down a river with your arm welded to the tiller of a '61 Eska? That's ....well......astonishing!

Which powerhead does yours have? I have an Eska (at least it's an Eska leg) that has a Tecumseh powerhead. Mine is a little loud.

Thanks for reading, Chuck

PS...thanks CAT for that certifiedparts link...although their site seems to be having problems right now.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Eska

I noticed that the site was having trouble, too. I'm sure they'll get it fixed. The people there apparently bought the entire existing stock of Eska parts and have had most everything I've needed.

They're a little pricey, but when you're stuck with a busted engine, there it is.

Somewhere, I have their phone number, which is about all the site itself is good for. You really have to call them to order anything beyond the most simple items.