Re: West Bend/Elgin 1957 12 hp questions

[amuller]

Thanks very much for the quick and comprehensive response. I picked up this motor a few years ago and am just now getting to it. It seems a fairly sophisticated motor. I think I will just make a pigtail to an OMC connector. The motor end on mine is so corroded/pitted that I doubt it would seal in any case.

I see West Bend went to a 24-1 fuel mix in 1960 but I’m not aware of any mechanical changes in the motors. What mix do you use? it’s hard to run a 16-1 motor without leaving a visible sheen which is (at least technically) illegal. From looking at a parts breakdown it seems there is a lip seal on the lower main bearing. I can’t tell about the top. Can you advise? (Not trying to restart an unending discussion of oils and mixes….)

I expect to have to install the OMC coils. They are about $16 on Amazon and a few other places. It would be nice to be able to buy the bare coils without the laminations….

On the starter pinion, is there any source for these? I have sufficient machine work capability that I could make one out of aluminum, but it would be a pain.

Oh, one more question: Do any alternative props work on these?

Thanks again.

Alan