1951 Evinrude 14 HP Fastwin Outboard Specs & Part Numbers
Introduction to the 1951 Evinrude 14 HP Fastwin
The 1951 Evinrude 14 HP Fastwin (Model 4443 / 4447) represents a high-water mark in post-World War II marine engineering. Introduced during an era of rapid recreational boating expansion, this twin-cylinder outboard combined portability with robust power. It was highly sought-after by fishermen and family boaters alike for its reliability, innovative full gearshift, and revolutionary external fuel tank system.
Today, the 14 HP Fastwin is a favorite among vintage outboard collectors and restorers due to its straightforward mechanics, parts availability, and classic mid-century aesthetic.
Overview & Specifications
The Fastwin was designed to bridge the gap between lightweight trolling motors and heavy, high-horsepower speedster outboards. Below are the key technical specifications for the 1951 model:
| Specification | Value / Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Numbers | 4443 (Standard), 4447 (Long Shaft) |
| Horsepower | 14 HP @ 4,000 RPM (OBC Rated) |
| Cylinders | 2 (Alternate firing twin) |
| Displacement | 19.94 cubic inches (326.8 cc) |
| Bore & Stroke | 2.375 in x 2.250 in (60.3 mm x 57.1 mm) |
| Fuel/Oil Ratio | 16:1 (1/2 pint of TC-W3 or SAE 30 non-detergent outboard oil per gallon of regular gasoline) |
| Weight | Approx. 65 lbs (29.5 kg) |
| Starting System | Manual recoil (Simplex Starter) |
| Cooling System | Water-cooled (bypass thermostatic control via rubber impeller pump) |
Common Maintenance & Tune-up Specs
Keeping a 1951 Fastwin running smoothly requires regular attention to the ignition, fuel system, and lower unit. Because these motors utilize the legendary OMC Universal Magneto, ignition parts are still widely available today.
Ignition System
- Spark Plug Type: Champion J6C (Modern equivalent) or J8C
- Spark Plug Gap: 0.030 inches (0.76 mm)
- Point Gap: 0.020 inches (0.51 mm)
- Condenser Capacity: 0.18 to 0.22 microfarads
Carburetor Settings
The Fastwin features a dual-knob carburetor (high-speed and low-speed rich/lean adjustments). For initial starting after a rebuild, use these baseline settings:
- High-Speed Needle (Bottom): Gently seat, then turn out 3/4 turn.
- Low-Speed/Idle Needle (Top): Gently seat, then turn out 1-1/2 turns.
- Note: Fine-tune these knobs while the motor is running at operating temperature on the water under load.
Water Pump & Gearcase
- Impeller Info: The water pump houses a rubber impeller located on the driveshaft above the gearcase. If the motor has been sitting, always replace the impeller to prevent overheating.
- Gearcase Lubricant: OMC Type C (Premium Blend) or standard 80/90W marine gear lube if seals have been modernized.
- Gearcase Capacity: Fill from the bottom drain hole until fluid flows out of the top vent hole (approx. 9 oz).
Notable Features & History
The “Cruis-a-Day” Pressure Tank
One of the most significant innovations of this era was the introduction of the pressurized “Cruis-a-Day” 2-line fuel tank. Unlike modern single-line vacuum fuel systems, the 1951 Fastwin relies on engine crankcase pressure to pump air down into the metal fuel tank. This pressure then forces fuel up through the second line into the carburetor. When restoring this motor, ensure that the fuel tank gaskets and the dual-line hoses are completely airtight, as any leak will prevent fuel delivery.
Full Gearshift Capability
Prior to the late 1940s and early 1950s, many outboards had no neutral or reverse gears; starting the motor meant immediate forward motion. The 1951 Fastwin featured a robust, pilot-operated 3-position gearshift (Forward, Neutral, Reverse). This safety feature dramatically improved dockside maneuvering and made the 14 HP model incredibly popular among sport fishermen.
The OMC Universal Magneto
The ignition system used in the 1951 Fastwin is the famous OMC Universal Magneto. This ignition design was so reliable and efficient that Outboard Marine Corporation utilized it across various Johnson and Evinrude models from the early 1950s all the way into the late 1970s. However, original vintage coils are notorious for cracking over time due to age and heat. Replacing old, cracked coils with modern epoxy-coated replacements is the single most effective way to restore strong, consistent spark.
Sleeve Bearing Construction
While later outboards moved entirely to needle and roller bearings, the 1951 Fastwin relies heavily on bronze bushings (sleeve bearings) on the connecting rods and mains. Because of this design, do not run this motor on modern thin 50:1 fuel mixes. Doing so will cause rapid engine wear or catastrophic failure. Stick strictly to a 16:1 gas-to-oil ratio to ensure these plain bearings remain fully lubricated and cushioned.