Help! Need parts for converting a Homelite to long shaft!

[Rotti]

Hello,
maybe somebody in here can help? I got two old Homelite outboards and I need to convert at least one of them into a long shaft outboard (20`)- mine are both shortshafts. Is there anybody in here who has some parts to sell or knows somebody who might? I know Adventure 4-cycle Marine and also the other guy (his name is Don Schulz I think) from San Diego, but at least the prices the latter gave me are kind of exorbitant, to put it nicely! I`d also be willing to swap if somebody is in search for short shaft parts because I won`t need them anymore.

Any help would be highly appreciated- these engines were never even close to being popular over here in Germany- no parts existent anymore!

Thank you all,
Wolfgang

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Help! Need parts for converting a Homelite to long shaft!

Tell me about it! I have this Italian Mac-10 with a Sachs wankel powerhead that needs a few parts and they're just not to be had. Try www.aomci.org. There are bound to be a few collectors there that can help. www.tcoutboard.com in Minnesota may be able to help too. Later versions were called Bearcat i believe.

 

[Rotti]

Re: Help! Need parts for converting a Homelite to long shaft!

Hello Willy,
Thanks for your answer- nice to know that others have the same problems as well.
As far as I recall the Sachs- Wankel has been used for all kind of machinery (generators, motorbikes, outboards, lawn mower and so on) in the old days- kind of "Wankel-mania" when it came out..... Do you just need parts for the engine or also for the outboard itself? Maybe I can help since at least I`m over here in Europe!

greetings,
Wolfgang

PS. Which type of Wankel does your MAC use? KM3 or KM37?

 

[Rotti]

Re: Help! Need parts for converting a Homelite to long shaft!

Just found it, it was the KM48 they`ve used- I`ll try to dig something out for you, just let me know what parts you need!

Wolfgang

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Help! Need parts for converting a Homelite to long shaft!

The engine is complete minus a fuel pump, but I have that figured out and parts waiting for me to get around to it. What I need is the motor hood, prop and hardware. Otherwise it's pretty complete.

 

[Rotti]

Re: Help! Need parts for converting a Homelite to long shaft!

Uhhh- these will be close to impossible to find over here as well! Would be pure luck if I should stumble over something! Anyway- I`m prepared now, so if anything will show up I`ll get in touch with you!

regards,
Wolfgang

 

[JB]

Re: Help! Need parts for converting a Homelite to long shaft!

Hmmmmm. Never saw a short shaft Homelite 55. Is it some other model you have? Didn't know they made anything but the 55 and thought they were all long (20") shaft engines.

Maybe they sold some short shaft engines in Europe only.

There are parts engines offered on ebay pretty regularly. Perhaps you can get a seller to sell you only the leg and its internal parts.

Good luck.

 

[Rotti]

Re: Help! Need parts for converting a Homelite to long shaft!

Hello JB,

my motors are both short shafts- definetly. I haven`t seen them before anywhere on the net so you`re maybe right and they were only sold over here in Europe?
Sad news: While hauling my motors to my new shop one of them fell off it`s stand and bashed on the floor: Distributor crushed and motor pan broken, lots of other small nicks and dents... ****!! So this will be the engine to part out in the future.
Other thought: Maybe I`ll try to adapt another motor pan together with another cowl, because the original one is a true pain in the ass to put on. I`m thinking of something big enough to fit an automobile type alternator as well! The Homelites have a good charging system for their year of built but for modern crafts it`s too weak nevertheless. And I want decent charging already at trolling speeds which is impossible to achieve with the built in charging system.

If somebody of you guys stumbles over any advertising regarding Homelite or Bearcat parts (even in your local papers!!) it would be very kind to drop me a short note via email: dronsb@yahoo.de
I can gete cheap phonecalls from over here so that`s not a problem!

I`m not checking US-ebay constantly nor do I do this with this forum... yeah, blame me but I simply don`t have enough time!

Thanks so far!
Wolfgang

 

[outboardr]

Re: Help! Need parts for converting a Homelite to long shaft!

www.bearcat55.com has short shaft and long shaft conversion kits.

Also, there is a nice serial number vs year guide for both Homelite 55 and Bearcat 55 outboards there:
http://www.bearcat55.com/Serial_number_guide.html

That comes in handy for getting the right parts!

 

[tara_two]

Re: Help! Need parts for converting a Homelite to long shaft!

Wolfgang - if this Topic is still relevant all these years later , sorry to hear you dropped one, but better than a dunking,while running - the sump is from memory alloy,so if you have all the bits , a skilled welder should be able to patch-up (but you'll need to have it bolted to block(as a jig) + the lower crank area is an area you'd have difficutly subsituting something else to.

Same for dist top half ( Rotors & Points Still avail, you can adapt a cap - there're Prestolite built) if the rotor shaft took a bend & the Dist housing top-half isn't too shattered/lunched, all shouldn't be lost.

For the other USA friend further on up re shaft length : USA had Short-shafts area dependant re seeing them or not,they did exist & NOT export only,there should be as many of them as longshaft.
The serial number will give indication if OEM long or SS,same for year

Wolfgang:Re your Charging rate apparent lack, I think your years are about cross-over period from the switched High/low Charge model - you won't get much better than the original Alternator - it was designed to keep batteries charged for long periods of trolling time - unless you have a houseboat etc with high batt demands you should be ok
If its the later(ish) series,there was a running change to factory wired LOW charge rate only - as Some dealers were getting come-backs for Boiling batteries (plus to eliminate a pontential warranty claim,extra part) ..

If so just get a Decent competant stress competant Electrician to wire/check for the high charge rate coil continuity & wire up the High-charge rate option and/or to upgrade replace the tired-by-now Selenium rectifiers for some modern Full Bridge rectifier (that will make it more efficient)

Long shaft conversion is, with Current freight-rates taking the huge hike they have, probably best to do a swap for good used,but buyer beware - you'd then have to fingers-crossed with 2nd lower unit. - plus there were at least 2 different types,but with running update mods,you may be able to retro fit (research 1st)

Wolfgang - itwould be interesting to know IF your Motors are EX USA Military base Service personell catalogue order , where you could order just about anything (as retired Vets whom may be reading,can attest to) - if you are STILL on base a GOOD stores clerk should be able to research some spares ex your military fire waterpumps etc *wink* (probably well & truely an ex Disposal store item now,unfortunately)

PS If anyone has any spare Plastic right-angled mounted on Exh manifold water carrying Plastic part tubing mounts to,please let me know (venerable & a carrier broke one) - I can give part #

Cheers all.

 

[JB]

Re: Help! Need parts for converting a Homelite to long shaft!

He hasn't been here for 6 years, Tara. I really doubt that this thread is anything but dead. I will close it.

You might try initiating a new thread about Homelite/Bearcat outboards. Please read our rules first, so you don't risk a violation.