35 horse West Bend Motor

[Cowtip]

Has anyone ever heard of this brand motor before? I was told it is made by Chrysler back in the 70's. It runs good but i cant find any numbers on it to know exactly all the info about it. Thanks

 

[F_R]

Re: 35 horse West Bend Motor

Has anyone ever heard of this brand motor before? I was told it is made by Chrysler back in the 70's. It runs good but i cant find any numbers on it to know exactly all the info about it. Thanks

Actually, West bend is the outboard line that Chrysler bought out. It dates back to 1944. After WWII ended, they were mostly famous for producing the famous Elgin motors for Sears. In 1955 they started offering them in their own name, West Bend. In 1965, Chrysler had bought the company and the Chrysler name appeared on them. Eventually, Chrysler had to sell the outboard line as part of the first government bailout of Chrysler. It was sold to U.S. Marine (Bayliner Boats) and sold under the name Force. Then Force was sold to Mercury and Mercury dropped the line.

BTW, yes "West Bend" is the West Bend Aluminum Company, maker of pots and pans.

 

[Cowtip]

Re: 35 horse West Bend Motor

Woww! Thanks for all the Cool history! Pretty neat stuff!

 

[DavidW2009]

Re: 35 horse West Bend Motor

My first boat was a 1965 Silverline, 14' run-about, with a Sears/Elgin/West Bend/Chrysler 35 HP two-cylinder. I bought the whole rig, boat, motor and trailer for $500 cash from a marine dealer in 1973 and used it until 1976.

The engine was without fault in operation. It ran so good, I never learned anything about O/B repair. I never even put plugs in it. Sold it for $550.

Note the fins on the motor cover. The cover had no markings or logos at all. It was a very generic looking store brand motor.

 

[HotKetchup]

Re: 35 horse West Bend Motor

Don't forget about Firestone! West bend bought the Firestone name from Scott-Attwater in 1958 I do believe. I have a 1960 Firestone Viscount 40 - 40 hp that runs like a wild animal. Just like above, I bought a 1960 14' runabout/trailer/motor from a friend for $500. He got it on a trade and never messed with it. I took it off his hands and within 15 minutes I had it fired up purring like a kitten. Just touch the key and it starts. Hasnt missed a lick in about a year. Ill post pics soon. Great motors in my opinion.