I now have all three circa 1951 Gale product outboards, two "shifting"
and one "non-shift" outboards apart. Both shifting version power heads
are froze. Thought it was going to be simple to put the good non-shifting
power head on one of the shifting lower units. Not so. 🙁
The non-shift PH on the left has 3/8" studs where it bolts on to the LU exhaust
housing. The shifting PH on the right uses long 1/4" bolts, that also hold on
an extension plate that the water line attaches to.
Further more, both engines have different lower crank bearing caps that are
different heights, and fitment as well.
The bottom of the crankshafts measure the same distance from the bottom
of the cylinder exhaust deck though, so I’m hopeful I could switch out
the bearing caps.
That said, if I’m able to remove the four 3/8" studs on the non shift power head’s
cylinder, how to I make the 3/8" hole into 1/4" ? Do they make a ready made
threaded adapter? Possible that I could make some, but may be a pain in the hinney.
Below is the shifting version’s Lower Unit.
Below is the non shifting lower unit
The shifting unit’s extension plate
Have any of you done this conversion, or should I have a burial at sea for all three! ????
Thanks.
Prepare to be boarded!