1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18HP Hopeful Resurrection

[64osby]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18HP Hopeful Resurrection

I don't envy you your winters, but I do envy the supply of old OMC outboards that have never seen salt water! There are some great motors in your neck of the woods.

BTW, are you aware that your motor can be converted to include a stock OMC fuel pump, very easily? There are multiple threads here on how to do it.

Jay Thanks for chiming in. - Four seasons lets you really enjoy summer that much more. It just started to spit a little snow here.


The conversion to fuel pump will be the last ditch effort to make this run. I'm hoping the tank can be saved. I also have a 5.5 Johnson with a pressure tank set up. Then could run the Fastwin with a kicker. More like a back-up.:facepalm:


RE: Salt water - I have a sweatshirt it says - Lake Michigan Un-Salted. I plan on venturing out in that great inland ocean next summer, now that I have a boat that will handle it. See avatar.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18HP Hopeful Resurrection

Take a measurement of the smaller size of the hose connections. The older pressure tank models take a smaller fuel line than the later single line set ups. I would use 1/4 or 5/16" on the single line units.

 

[64osby]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18HP Hopeful Resurrection

You could zip tie two lines together to get by as you said (no difference), it's just a matter of aesthetics & nostalgia. Mas

Mas - This will be function first, then form. I don't ever plan on showing it just using it with my kids and friends. It will get paint at some time but will by no means match up to the work your doing on your Lark, Looking great , go have some more "Fun".

 

[64osby]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18HP Hopeful Resurrection

Take a measurement of the smaller size of the hose connections. The older pressure tank models take a smaller fuel line than the later single line set ups. I would use 1/4 or 5/16" on the single line units.

Thanks Zephyr, Everything is original on the motor and tank, just a matter of matching up to it. If I ever end up converting to a fuel pump then add bigger lines.

 

[Mas]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18HP Hopeful Resurrection

Mas - This will be function first, then form. I don't ever plan on showing it just using it with my kids and friends. It will get paint at some time but will by no means match up to the work your doing on your Lark, Looking great , go have some more "Fun".

Nothing wrong with function over form...in fact, it's better. I'll probably be too over cautious with mine!

Mas

 

[64osby]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18HP Hopeful Resurrection

Nothing wrong with function over form...in fact, it's better. I'll probably be too over cautious with mine! Mas

It will be like the new(er) car, after the first scratch or dent, a few @&%()&% and then it's no holding back.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18HP Hopeful Resurrection

If you do happen to convert, getting a bypass cover and fuel pump for a 1960 and newer 18 will make it pretty simple.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18HP Hopeful Resurrection

I read an interesting article somewhere about these 18's (this model year in particular.) It was written by a fellow who was a commercial crabber. He stated that the '57-'58 models were the best quality and the parts on them held up the best. of course, as you have found, there's not much in the way of plastic on them. Maybe on the bottom of the throttle advance lever. The clamshell hood on these was the best set up, because you can beach the motor, without any shrouding coming off in your hand, unlike the later models with the fiberglass hoods. The only thing I dislike about the later models (1959 and newer) was those doggon little rubber shroud mounts that often times fail. No worries with the '57 models. A lot of modern motors that had plastic moving parts? Well, this '57 Fastwin had those parts made of brass. So, this is why, I read that article with great interest. Quality is never outdated.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18HP Hopeful Resurrection

There are many that will agree with that crabber, myself included.

Id say most of my motors are from the 57 and 58 linup. Going a step further, I like the 57s the best!

 

[Mas]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18HP Hopeful Resurrection

As far as motors...OMC's '57 lineup is my favorite too.

Mas

 

[64osby]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18HP Hopeful Resurrection

I read an interesting article somewhere about these 18's (this model year in particular.) It was written by a fellow who was a commercial crabber. He stated that the '57-'58 models were the best quality and the parts on them held up the best. of course, as you have found, there's not much in the way of plastic on them. Maybe on the bottom of the throttle advance lever. The clamshell hood on these was the best set up, because you can beach the motor, without any shrouding coming off in your hand, unlike the later models with the fiberglass hoods. The only thing I dislike about the later models (1959 and newer) was those doggon little rubber shroud mounts that often times fail. No worries with the '57 models. A lot of modern motors that had plastic moving parts? Well, this '57 Fastwin had those parts made of brass. So, this is why, I read that article with great interest. Quality is never outdated.

There are many that will agree with that crabber, myself included.

Id say most of my motors are from the 57 and 58 linup. Going a step further, I like the 57s the best!

As far as motors...OMC's '57 lineup is my favorite too.

Mas

You guys make me laugh, A 54 year old motor is the favorite model. I'm sure when this get's up and running it will be a favorite of mine too.

It's about the same age as I am, so it has to be good. They made things better back then.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18HP Hopeful Resurrection

Yep, like HighTrim stated '57 is my favorite year as well. Of course '58 is just the same, but just a bit darker blue. I would like to seek out a '57 Big Twin for an addition to my collection.

 

[Litetwin4]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18HP Hopeful Resurrection

Hello Gents,

I am eyeing a 1957 18hp fastwin for my 1958 12' Crestliner Commander. However, it is not an electric start model. Can any of you tell me if this motor can be converted to electric start? I am thinking that I can buy a donor electric start powerhead and transplant the parts to my motor. Will this work?

Does the cowl have enough clearance to accommodate the starter?

Thanks in advance.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18HP Hopeful Resurrection

Look on the first page of this thread and you'll see one. It's on one of HighTrims posts.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18HP Hopeful Resurrection

Yup plenty of room. I was going to sell mine originally, but after the mechanical restore, I kinda fell in love with it. They are nice motors

 

[samo_ott]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18HP Hopeful Resurrection

I read an interesting article somewhere about these 18's (this model year in particular.) It was written by a fellow who was a commercial crabber. He stated that the '57-'58 models were the best quality and the parts on them held up the best. of course, as you have found, there's not much in the way of plastic on them. Maybe on the bottom of the throttle advance lever. The clamshell hood on these was the best set up, because you can beach the motor, without any shrouding coming off in your hand, unlike the later models with the fiberglass hoods. The only thing I dislike about the later models (1959 and newer) was those doggon little rubber shroud mounts that often times fail. No worries with the '57 models. A lot of modern motors that had plastic moving parts? Well, this '57 Fastwin had those parts made of brass. So, this is why, I read that article with great interest. Quality is never outdated.

Interesting. The later model cowlings sure do pop off though as you say when trying to tilt the engine. They didn't make those clasps to last!

 

[Johnson110]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18HP Hopeful Resurrection

Hmm, I have a 1956 15 hp johnson, need the cover for it, the one on it is bent clamshell has a gap on one side!

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18HP Hopeful Resurrection

You should easily be able to find one through one of the salvage yards listed in the top secret file.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18HP Hopeful Resurrection

Hmm, I have a 1956 15 hp johnson, need the cover for it, the one on it is bent clamshell has a gap on one side!

Send me a PM

 

[64osby]

Re: 1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18HP Hopeful Resurrection

Took a break over the holiday's and didn't look at the motor. Hope your Holiday's were Merry and Happy.

Had a few minutes today and put my shopping list together.

Coils #058477 (2)
Breakers/condenser kit #0172522
Carb kit w/ float #0439071
Impeller #0775518
Driveshaft o-ring #303892
Fuel connector o-ring #301824 (2)

Sticking with OMC parts, but I might look at the CDI coils.

I'm thinking I have it covered, looking to see if there is anything I missed or should include as a standard rebuild item.

The pressure tank rebuild kit is on hold, my other tank is clean and holds pressure, it just needs some new connector o-rings. I had picked up a 1959 CD-16 that came with a nice clean looking tank that pumps up. That one will get looked at after this 18 is up and running.