Re: west bend stern drive identification
Hello,
I am just new to the forum, and now that internet is here, as it was not when I got my boat in '90. My '61 Thompson Cuddy had one crudely installed when I got it. Was such a hack job, but a great idea, when I took the boat apart (rot everywhere), I fixed up the Sharko. From what I understand it is an 80hp Chrysler 2 stroke power head coupled to the outdrive, Westbend, with Chrysler outboard lower unit. I lost a thrust washer which destroyed the gears, found a set that fit, to the best of my knowledge, 80 to 135hp Chrysler outboards. The engine had piston slap, lasted one season and I could not afford to fix it, plus it was eating me out of house and home in gas and oil. I carry 36 gallons and would burn it up in a day. My neighbor had a '73 Datsun pickup all apart which I had already bought the rear end for my '67. So I bought the engine and trans for a hundred bucks and cloned the 1600cc Datsun on to the Sharko. About the same horses and I get 4 days fishing instead of one! I rebuilt the outdrive twice since then, just general stuff, and it is in great condition today. Best part of this unit is that it is simple, no complicated hydraulics, electrics, etc. Only mod I did to it was add a double seal at the prop shaft. I am still looking for info on this setup, as very few even remember it. I lost my prop nut and have a jerry rig on there, so am hunting for that goodie. Jim
