2.5 hp clinton

woondirch · Apr 1, 2013

To keep or not to keep????
I have an old clinton 2.5 montgomery ward motor, needs carb work but I believe it will run. Does anyone have an idea what this motor might be worth? My goal was to rebuild it, but I'm finding that I would rather spend the time out on the water. I'm having good performance with my electric set up.

I hate to give it away because it seems like piece of history, I know there are a lot of variables but it did start for me, just wouldn't stay running.

Is it worth over $50 ?
thanks

thudpucker · Apr 1, 2013

That old motor, same as Sears and Monkey Wards and others was pretty good actor. It would seize on a long run at hi speed though. :evil:
Keeping it 'dry' of gas mess and fumes was the hard part with it.

You'd probably get some bucks from a guy who wanted a Conoe motor etc. If your going to sell it, don't waste any time messing with it though. Let the new buyer get his kicks off with that part of owning an old motor.

Send us some photos!

woondirch · Apr 3, 2013

Thanks thudpucker,
I'm leaning toward your opinion.
I didn't think about the motor seizing, on these big long desert lakes (arizona) that is something that I should consider. My boat (12 ft seaking) isn't big enough to carry two motors, battery, two adults, maybe a kid now and then, and a cooler.

Now I'm thinking I just need to get a bigger boat. :LOL2:

cheers

thudpucker · Apr 3, 2013

Us ol' guys who work on old motors and other stuff like to do our own work.
We don't want to deal with somebody else's 'self inflicted' wounds.

I have a 12' Sea king. I row it. No motor at all. When you consider 'spring maint' for your motors of all kinds, remember that I told you gleefully that I never ever had trouble getting these Oars started :LOL2:

As far as a bigger boat goes, that little Sea King will out perform any Jon of similar or even larger size.
Your wife will tell you when you need a 'bigger' boat for her needs! :wink:

I used a 16' star craft in Washington and Alaska. Great size for almost every fishing circumstance.
Lot more maint than the little Sea King though.

I have a 6 Hp and a 9.5 Johnson outboards. Both have been on the Sea King. That's what I'd stick with in your place.
Remember, going to the Beach in big waves is an adventure. You'll learn to love it as will the kids. It's the way to beat bad weather in a small boat.

woondirch · Apr 4, 2013

Funny you mention rowing, I tangled my line in the TM, took the prop off and dropped the screw in the water.
Had to row about a mile. Quick lesson learned there.

I love the idea of rowing in big waves, I think the kids would like it too. If there is no motor to sink to the bottom
then all I have to do is jump out and swim it shore, and start over. Thanks for the post, you have given me a couple
fun new ideas.

cheers

PBRMINER · Apr 4, 2013

I have a 5hp clinton still runs good but I keep it for nostalgia, and wouldn't spend anything on it. (Learned my lesson with an Eska Ted Williams $50 in parts and never got it running)