Big Twin 40hp missing locking lever mechansim

[baytonemus]

Well, I finally started in working on this old motor today. I have a 1963 Big Twin 40 horse and I figured I'd start with the carburetor. However, in the first phase of disassembly I realized that the entire locking lever mechanism is missing.



How important is this? Should I try to find one?

Also, it appears that the ring gear guard may be broken.



If this was intact would it bolt to the starter mount on the top left?

Thanks!

 

[jasper60103]

Re: Big Twin 40hp missing locking lever mechansim

Not sure if the missing locking lever will be a problem, but the guard is just there for safety. Here are few pics of my '62 28hp...

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Big Twin 40hp missing locking lever mechansim

The locking lever isn't an issue with electric start models. Only an issue if you are pull starting it - keeps you from trying to start it with the throttle set too high.

 

[Daviet]

Re: Big Twin 40hp missing locking lever mechansim

I see alot of those motors that have the lock linkage removed, will not cause any problems as far as running goes. It was designed as a safty device for starting.

 

[coolguy147]

Re: Big Twin 40hp missing locking lever mechansim

removed mine because i couldnt give it enough throttle to start the motor. it would just lock up and hurt my arm

keep it somewhere in a baggy and get rid of it when you sell the motor or whatever

i believe they're adjustable? but i didnt bother with mine since i didnt feel like adjusting it....

 

[F_R]

Re: Big Twin 40hp missing locking lever mechansim

It is a SAFETY device. It is important only if you are about to die. If you have to hand start it for some reason (dead battery?), and you forget to put it in neutral, and you stand up to haul on the rope, and the throttle is set too high, you WILL go overboard out the rear end of the boat. Then one of two things will happen:

1. The boat will run aground, leaving you out there to drown.
2. If nobody remains aboard to drive, it will go around in a circle, coming back to run over you. Dying comes quicker that way.

Is it important?? Are you ready to die? Hey, it might come my way and run over ME!! Fix the stupid thing.

 

[baytonemus]

Re: Big Twin 40hp missing locking lever mechansim

Not sure if the missing locking lever will be a problem, but the guard is just there for safety.

As I suspected, it looks like it also bolts to the left side of the starter mount. I would think that adds some strength and stability. The electric starter (which my motor has) is pretty heavy.

Thanks for the pics!

 

[baytonemus]

Re: Big Twin 40hp missing locking lever mechansim

It is a SAFETY device. It is important only if you are about to die. If you have to hand start it for some reason (dead battery?), and you forget to put it in neutral, and you stand up to haul on the rope, and the throttle is set too high, you WILL go overboard out the rear end of the boat. Then one of two things will happen:

1. The boat will run aground, leaving you out there to drown.
2. If nobody remains aboard to drive, it will go around in a circle, coming back to run over you. Dying comes quicker that way.

Is it important?? Are you ready to die? Hey, it might come my way and run over ME!! Fix the stupid thing.

Hah! That's funny. If I'm going to be killed by a moving vehicle, I'd prefer for it to be a bus or perhaps a train. That way, the job will get done quickly rather than the boat circling and chewing off one piece of me at a time.

Although another possibility occurs to me: If my wife was left in the boat, it would give her the perfect opportunity to be rid of me once and for all, while simultaneously providing her with plausible deniability.

Either way, I think I'll replace it...

Thanks for all replies!