Bearcat 85 HP Outboard Sea Trials

Sea trials on 8-4-09 at North Fork Reservoir, Estacada, OR
One of only a handful of these engines left in running condition.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Vintage
• outboard

[nwvh2000]

I have heard of mechanical problems with exhaust valves, and have talked with a few owners of these engines and others that have worked on them. It seems to be a mixed bag of opinions. Good luck with yours

[nwvh2000]

I have done nothing major mechanical to this engine, fixed oil leaks, repaired carburetors and tuned. I fought a problem with air restriction at the carbs, it would run fine with the hood off, put the hood on and it would drop rpm at idle and midrange and would load up and die at idle. I cut two holes in the hood directly in front of the carbs and installed louvered vents. It now runs excellent.

[ebaybomber]

I saw one of these run in about 1971 or 72 in Charlevoix MI on the Iris Boat Shop workboat Whaler. it was smooth and a bit loud as I remember.

Keep it runnung if you can - they have a reputation for being difficult.

See my old 55Homelite vids here on Youtube. Sold the motor, but will have fond memories of its smooth running.

[nwvh2000]

Not really loud, they are pretty quiet, difficult yes! I have many hr's into getting tuned it to run decent. It's too bad they couldn't have just made a larger Crosley based engine. I have 4 of the 55's, quiet, smooth, no smoke and very economical!

[postaltraining]

did you have to get the milling work done so the #1 cylinder valves wouldn't jam through the head? that was a more or less congenital problem on these i am told. i have one, am saving up $ for what is supposedly about 1500 USD worth of work to make things right.