88 Marathon engine ID please

[MinnesotaMike]

Can someone please ID this Motor?? I can't find a tag on it. I just picked this up and want to start doing some mods. The front of the motor appears to be wet with oil, is this a huge issue?

[93yellowclubcar]

That is indeed the elusive 1988 Marathon. That's what they call a 2pg Robin engine. It is a two stroke. That year and that year only had a 24mm carburetor versus the previous models with an 18mm, and it had a factory high flow better performing exhaust. It was rated for 11 HP versus the previous engines at 9 HP.

I'd say the oil is on there because the oil pump there on the front that is driven by the crank is leaking. Since it leaks, there's no sure way to know if it is providing the correct oil to the fuel mixture. I would personally remove all the oil injection stuff, making sure to either Teflon tape a bolt and plug the hole on the intake elbow or leave a short length of hose and screw a screw into it. Then mix some fuel at 128:1 (1 oz. per gallon) or 85:1 (1.5 oz. per gallon) if you are more comfortable with the heavier ratio and put it in the tank, after you've drained/pumped out the existing gasoline.

[MinnesotaMike]

Thx 93,

Is that the same Robin my 86 has, 244 but with a different carb?
I just finished my 86 and was bringing it to the lake last weekend and the wife said she had a friend getting rid of a cart. Once we heard it was an 88' I told her we would take it, sight unseen. Dropped off the cart at the lake and picked this one up on the way home.
They did tell me they disconnected the oil injector and were running mixed already. I will get it plugged and cleaned up.
Thanks for the info.

Mike

[93yellowclubcar]

Yep, its exactly the same as your 86 but with a different carb and exhaust system. It also runs an 88 specific drive belt, IIRC it is 1/2" longer than the pre-88 version.

Glad to help!