Reply To: 1959 Elgin 12 hp (West Bend) carb issue

[Buccaneer]

I took the carb back apart. Donned my optivisors and looked at
what I believed to be a new needle and seat. If it was, it had a
dubious grind at the factory. Appeared to be some tiny spiral
grooves in the tip.
I got out my valve grinding compound and lapped both sets of
valves and seats. My compound is a little on the course side,
so I also used some “aluminum boat polish / cleaner” for good
luck……. it says it removes “small” scratches.

Carb is back on, but I decided I’m not hoisting that motor again
today, so tomorrow, back in the test barrel, and hopefully for
another boat ride.

When on the lake with it earlier today, that 12 hp was almost
“scary fast” for my little Alumacraft, and it was “porpoising”
for some reason. The 7-1/2 Elgin wouldn’t quite plain the boat
off……… this 12 hp shot off like a rocket…….. too bad I didn’t
get to run it more than a few minutes.

Just in case my lap job fails to fix the problem, I ordered
a carb kit……. $39 just so I could get a new needle and seat.
Such is life.

Prepare to be boarded!