Ailsa Craig 4hp aircooled Outboard

[sarabande]

This OB came with a boat I bought , err, 18 years ago, and has been stored dry and turned over from time to time.


I've never run it, but the compression seems OK, and it might be useful for a friend whose OB is sick.


Does anyone know a lot about them please ? Reliability especially.

I assume if I put clean fuel in, and check the oil level, spark plug, clean the carb, it might start and run.


TIA

 

[peteK]

First outboard I ever had but was called a Tomos 4(later model)
Very economical and lightweight,used it to power a 17ft boat.
The top of the engine is air cooled with the prop pushing water up
the leg to cool it,so no impeller to worry about.

 

[C08]

I had one for years and it was totally reliable. However what I did not like was that there was no gear and you had to be careful when starting that it was set at the tickover/start setting other wise it could be dangerous. I had very nearly a nasty accident. A bit noisy and I think was 25:1 but very strongly made and perhaps heavier than a modern 4 stroke.
Made by Tomos but called Ailsa Craig to attract the UK market I understand.

 

[dartmoor]

I have had several of these. Parts are now very scarce. They are prone to overheating despite being air cooled - and once they get hot, very difficult to restart. You just have to wait until the engine cools down sufficiently. Personally I don't trust them as you want to categorically know that you can always restart an outboard!