Need more help on my old westbend 45 hp, last time i try...

[Brock.Ward]

So i have a 45hp outboard, runs great when it was running, ran into issues with flywheel key now. Flywheel key snapped and stripped, then cam breaker snapped. Basically the cam breaker goes on cranshaft to move points then flywheel key sticks in bottom of cam breaker and in a grove on crankshaft them flywheel goes on.

I have replaced the key 3 times now and cracker two new cam breakers a total of $150 so far, i am about to throw the engine in the garbage, got ripped off on craigslist for this thing have replaced everything on it and when i get it running and using it this happens now. Any idea on why it would snap everytime i replace it. I have made sure its in tight and i find it hard to believe this happens....

 

[wickware]

Re: Need more help on my old westbend 45 hp, last time i try...

Sounds like not enough torque on the fly wheel nut. How much did you torque it and was that from a manual?s specs?

 

[twocyclemania]

Re: Need more help on my old westbend 45 hp, last time i try...

Don't know if it's just a West Bend problem but the cam on my 57 Elgin 12 horse (a West Bend) lost a small chunk where it mounts with the key. This rough surface was enough to 'eat' my points arm. I've seen replacements for the cam on ebay but I'm not willing to pay $25 and up for just the cam when I paid $15 for the motor. I've been waiting for a year to find a cam at the right price; the motor does run nicely and I've had it for over 40 years. If you can, set the motor aside and wait for the parts at the right price and make sure you adequately tighten the flywheel nut (as wickware noted). Also check the groove where the key fits and make sure its not sloppy or has a 'chuck' missing.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Need more help on my old westbend 45 hp, last time i try...

The flywheel nut needs to be torqued to 90 foot pounds. Too little and she will break the key every time you try to start it. You also need to check the flywheel and crankshaft nose tapers to be certain there is more than 85% contact.

To do this, you rub pencil lines vertically on the crankshaft taper. Replace the flywheel without the key and spin it a couple of times. More than 85% of the lines should rub off. If not, put a small amount of lapping compound on the crankshaft, replace the flywheel without the key and rock it a number of times. Rock back and forth through 90 degrees then rotate 90 degrees and do again. repeat until you have completed the circle. Then, clean everything and replace the flywheel with the key. Torque to 90 foot pounds.

 

[byacey]

Re: Need more help on my old westbend 45 hp, last time i try...

The flywheel nut needs to be torqued to 90 foot pounds.

I believe the maximum torque spec on the flywheel nut for this engine is 75 ft. lbs.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Need more help on my old westbend 45 hp, last time i try...

I agree 75 ft lbs Checked period generic manual 30-45 are 75 ft lbs,