1958 westbend 12hp cooling weep hole?

[OMCboater]

I was given this 1958 West Bend Barracuda 12hp outboard many years ago but never really had a use for it until now.
I got it out on my boat and managed to get it fired and running - it actually runs great but idle is not so good (I can work on that though)

problem is, I did not see anywhere that water was running out a weep hole to confirm that the water pump is pumping. I know modern outboards have this but did they have this back in the 50's?

I only did a quick 1 minute spin on the lake so I am sure I did not cook it,and would like to make sure I don't.

Any thoughts?

 

[twocyclemania]

Re: 1958 westbend 12hp cooling weep hole?

Your West Bend should be the same as my 57 Elgin (made by West Bend). I haven't run it in a few years but I do know that there is no 'pee' hole. The only things I can tell you are to make sure the pump impeller is okay. The exhaust / cooling water comes out the port that is about halfway down the leg of the motor. It should be hot but not hot enough to burn your hand or be steaming off. Also, put your hand on the head and it should be likewise. If you splash water on the head and it 'sizzles' you know you're running too hot. If everything is okay you're good to go. Sorry, no 'pee' hole.

 

[OMCboater]

Re: 1958 westbend 12hp cooling weep hole?

Thank you for the information. I did run it again and water did come out the port at the back of the leg. I also checked the impeller and it looked brand new - I suspect it was replaced shortly before the motor was given to me.
I had it out for a bit and all was going great until it lost power and started making a loud whining noise - I suspect a bearing somewhere. Managed to limp it back to the dock but haven't opened it up yet.

 

[twocyclemania]

Re: 1958 westbend 12hp cooling weep hole?

The noise and loss of power could be a number of things but I'd first check to see if the motor turns over freely. Another thought; did you check the lower unit for lube? If that's empty it could be the lower unit seizing up and making the motor lose power. Just some thoughts and things to check.

 

[F_R]

Re: 1958 westbend 12hp cooling weep hole?

Agreed, check lower unit for lube first. Sadly, if it isn't that, it may be a crankshaft bearing. Those motors did not have the best of seals on the lower crank bearing, and water gets in and rusts the ball & roller bearings inside. If you have ever hear one running with bad bearings, they make a noise that is easy to recognize......till it self destructs.

 

[OMCboater]

Re: 1958 westbend 12hp cooling weep hole?

thank you for the info. I did fill the lower unit with gear oil but searching now and apparently it should be filled with grease???? There was no evidence that the lube I put in had leaked out at all so I think the lower unit is ok.
It's too bad, it seems to have been a good engine and would have been nice to keep using it. I am going to open it up to find the problem but if it is a crank bearing, I think it will be time to donate the parts to keeping another motor alive for someone else, and I will upgrade to something more modern (which to me means 1970's )