1963 75hp Running Without Cowl

[yorab]

I'm gonna try to break in my motor tomorrow, but I haven't finished painting my cowl yet. Are there any issues with running a motor without the cowl? I'll be on a calm lake, so big swells and waves won't be an issue.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: 1963 75hp Running Without Cowl

I wouldn't, but only for the reason that I don't like a toothed flywheel spinning at 4500 RPM three feet behind my head without a cover over it....

 

[F_R]

Re: 1963 75hp Running Without Cowl

Not to worry, if that flywheel explodes at 4000 RPM, that fiberglass cowl isn't going to stop it. However, the more real danger is getting your clothes (or body) caught in the flywheel. You will think you have been fed to a tree chipper.

BTW, I had a V4 throw a connecting rod on the first startup after a rebuild. It drew blood. The cowl would have stopped those chunks.

 

[yorab]

Re: 1963 75hp Running Without Cowl

Gruesome! Well, I have my old parts hood that I can use, but I'd hate to get any of that deteriorating foam down in the carb. I've removed the majority of the foam but some of it remains. Perhaps I can line my old hood with plastic around the inside and use it. If so, I'd have to make dang sure that the plastic doesn't droop down and catch on the flywheel cover. I'm not sure which way I'll go. I'll probably opt for safety in the end.

 

[hidef]

Re: 1963 75hp Running Without Cowl

If you are going to line the old hood I would spray it with contact cement to make sure what ever you use is stuck good.

 

[yorab]

Re: 1963 75hp Running Without Cowl

Well, unfortunately, the lake was high. All 7 of the boat launches were closed. I'll have to try the break-in next week. I should have my cowl painted by then. If not, I think I'll take that advice and spray some adhesive into my old cowl then line it with plastic.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: 1963 75hp Running Without Cowl

BTW, I had a V4 throw a connecting rod on the first startup after a rebuild. It drew blood. The cowl would have stopped those chunks.

BTDT and it scared me badly, not to mention all of the work I then had to repeat. Fortunately, I had another powerhead ready to go. Good luck!