Retro-Fit an electric starter?

[PurpleDragon]

Hello all,<br /><br />It's been a LOOONG time since I've posted here on iBoats... But it's nearing winter, when I'll have time to do my maintenance & mods on my ole' Sears Boat & 12Hp Sears (West Bend) motor.<br /><br />My pull-starter gear that raises to engage the flywheel to turn start the engine.. unfortunately has a crack in it. I've checked with Discount Marine (Michigan) to see if the nylon gear is available anymore, and unfortunately, it's not... So I'm kind of up a creek without a pull starter.<br /><br />The photo below shows the nylon gear that is cracked. I have a friend who does custom aluminum milling, and was wondering the pros/cons of simply milling a new gear out of aluminum? I realize that teh Nylon gear was made for both lubrication, and to be the "weak link" and that it's better to break a nylon gear tooth on the easily replacable part, than on the flywheel...<br /><br />Thoughts?<br /><br />Anoter option I'm contemplatnig is to simply replace the pull-string mechanism with a starter motor and gear... Anyone know of a supplier that might have a retro-kit or something customizable to my application?<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Rex S.<br /><br /><br />

 

[PurpleDragon]

Re: Retro-Fit an electric starter?

Oops - Forgot my model #... <br /><br />The old broken nylon gear is an 11-Tooth one.<br /><br />The motor is a Sears (West Bend) Model # 571-59271 and Serial # 59271-C1513<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Rex

 

[steelespike]

Re: Retro-Fit an electric starter?

I see nothing wrong with making a gear.But would check around more for a replacement.Try Laings outboards and twin cities outboards.Your motor is a 65 that has to be the last year for West Bend<br />There is a good chance that early Chrysler 12s<br /> may use the same part.You could also watch ebay for parts or parts motors.Probably hard to find as I have seen lots of posts regarding broken gears.

 

[PurpleDragon]

Re: Retro-Fit an electric starter?

Thanks Spike,<br /><br />I've got a call into Discoutn Marine again - just to double check their availability, and depending on their answer (callback) tomorrow, I may have to keep on looking...<br /><br />Otherwise, It'll be a milled aluminum gear fro me from my buddy...<br /><br />Rex

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Retro-Fit an electric starter?

Hi Dragon,<br /> That gear looks an awful lot like the ones used on the Johnrude 6-8hp models from the mid 1960s up into the late 1980s. Probably wouldn't hurt to remove the roll pin on yours and pop that off, then take it with you to a Johnrude dealer and see if it matches up closely at all....<br /><br />- Scott

 

[JB]

Re: Retro-Fit an electric starter?

I don't think an aluminum gear would last a full season, PD.<br /><br />I would take Steelspike's advice and go to www.twincityoutboard.com.<br /><br />They probably have the gear you need, and may even be able to fix you up with stuff to convert to electric start.<br /><br />It will probably be be used-but-servicable stuff. They have about a square mile of warehouse full of used parts engines.<br /><br />Glad to see you back. Good luck.

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: Retro-Fit an electric starter?

Hmmmmm.....ya know West Bend is early Chrysler and they used that gear up to about 1988 on the 9.9, 15 and 7.5 HP. The electric start is going to be a real bear, I think its a top mount drive on the cowl, if you can even adapt it.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Retro-Fit an electric starter?

Electric start isn't a possibility without a different crankshaft. It was a combination starter/generator from the factory and there was never any aftermarket adaptation. The armature mounts on a tall shaft which is part of the crankshaft. As far as I know any Merc dealer can still get that recoil gear you need. They used them on West Bend, Chrysler, and Force from 6 to 15 Hp for decades. I'm betting under ten bucks. The West Bend number was 40674-2 or 901674-2.<br /><br />You can post for information under the Chrysler/Force category. That's who made it.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: Retro-Fit an electric starter?

Purple Dragon,<br /> Go to a Mercury Outboard Dealer and order #43-803624T ($8.10 list).Seems to be the only starter pinion gear Scott-Atwater,McCullock,Chrysler,Force,ETC. used.<br /> Hey,if I'm wrong you're out $8,and can chastise me on these boards.grin.<br /><br />DHP

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Retro-Fit an electric starter?

If you can find one that also sold Force, there's a pretty good chance they have one in stock.

 

[FSHKPR]

Re: Retro-Fit an electric starter?

if your buddy can fab one out of aluminum why couldnt he fab one out of plastic?

 

[stdbas26]

Re: Retro-Fit an electric starter?

I have the same type of motor. At least it looks like it, and I am looking for lower end parts for this model. Anybody know where to look.<br />Thanks.

 

[stdbas26]

Re: Retro-Fit an electric starter?

I see your from Richardson,TX. Well I am from Huntsville. Neighbors I guess! HE He. Just thought that was interesting. This old motor is hard to find parts for. Let me know your success with finding parts.

 

[PurpleDragon]

Re: Retro-Fit an electric starter?

I guess I should login more often huh? SOrry guys, I've been busy in the last year with a new toy... Motorcycle - a 1982 Yamah Maxim 650... Now that it's running JUST the way I want - I can dedicate more time to the boat.<br /><br />I got verification from Discount Marine (in Michigan) that the part is indeed discontinued - an none in stock there. My fabrication contact hasn't replied to my emails about making a replacement gear in aluminum - so I'm presuming he's either too busy to mess with it - or he's not interested in my project (most likely).<br /><br />I'll keep wrapping a cord around the top to start it up until I can find another solution...<br /><br />Rex

 

[CBCHIEF2]

Re: Retro-Fit an electric starter?

Boat City ( Houghton Lake)had them in stock last year. I got one for a 20hp Chrysler but wound up using it on my 5hp sea king.<br /><br /> Scott

 

[JB]

Re: Retro-Fit an electric starter?

Have you tried tcoutboard.com Dragon? They should have used parts to convert.