West Bend Outboard Motor

[bljacque]

I have come into possession of a small, air cooled, pull start outboard motor (est it to be less than 5 hp) mfr'd by the West Bend Co in Hartford WI. The data plate isn't real clear, however, the serial number appears to be 1915 and I think it is indicating a model number of 73203. There is a name that appears to be "Commodor." Would like to know if anyone in the membership can shed any light on this motor. Thus far my research indicates that West Bend began its outboard motor operation in 1947 and sold out to Chrysler 1965. While understandably worn, the motor appears to be intact. I have not tried to start it yet as I'd like to have a little better understanding of it before I try.

 

[roscoe]

Re: West Bend Outboard Motor

Sorry I can't help you pinpoint the year.<br />You may be surprised at the actual hp of that motor.<br />My dad has an old Elgin, which we thought to be 2-3 hp, but is actually a 7? (can't remember for sure)<br /><br />If your motor has the West Bend brand name, then it is post 1956.<br /><br />Interesting article:<br /> http://www.infoblvd.net/sah/Outboarder/1979/apr79-10.html <br /><br />And another:<br /> http://www.infoblvd.net/sah/Outboarder/1976/apr76-41.html <br /><br />You might want to try out this site<br /> http://www.aomci.org/aomc.htm <br />You can ask questions there, too.<br /><br />

Do you have a West Bend or an Elgin? You may not have known that most Elgin motors were made by West Bend. The tooling for West Bend's outboard line was sold to Chrysler. Chrysler's marine division ended up in the hands of the original makers of Force Outboards, U.S. Marine, which was subsequently bought by Brunswick Corp., parent company of Mercury Marine. Thus the modern day Force by Mercury Marine has its roots in West Bend and Chrysler technology. It shouldn't be too surprising to find out that many West Bend, Elgin, and Chrysler parts can be obtained at some Mercury/Force dealers. Later in the 1960s, Chrysler also supplied motors for Montgomery Wards, Western Auto/Wizard, and Eaton's.<br /><br />

 

[walleyehed]

Re: West Bend Outboard Motor

I'd be very careful with that engine as it was found to be named for it's abilities.......It usually left you back West, around the bend......

 

[roscoe]

Re: West Bend Outboard Motor

http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.ad...st+bend+&state=wi&zipcode=&homesubmit=Get+Map