Homelite

[gdcarpenter]

1964 55 HP Homelite "4 Cycle"

I might have some interest in this engine, but know nothing about them, any basic info?

It’s a nit, but I see all engines, be they 2 stroke or 4 stroke, as being "4 Cycle" engines.

They still do the suck/squeeze/bang/blow thing, but, since areas both above and below the piston are working in a 2 stroke, it has 2X the power stokes for 2 CS rev’s than a 4 stroke

Anyway, Homelite:

Difficulty to work on, I was an auto mechanic in a former life so 4 stroke not an issue
Availability of parts and resources
Desirability
Uniqueness

Thanks

[frankr]

Not too difficult to work on–unless it needs a valve job. That requires total engine teardown, because it is an overhead valve/overhead cam with no cylinder head. I suppose you probably have already found out it is a Crosley engine standing on end. Exhaust manifolds rotted out in salt water. Don’t know about fresh water. Of course, it is a cast iron block, which survived the salt fairly well, which is amazing.

Availability of parts?? I don’t know, haven’t tried to get any for many moons now.

Desirability/Uniqueness?? Certainly unique. You will have to decide the desirability. Personally, I’ll let you have it.

[johnny-infl]

all of what Frank said – – – when I was in Key West back in the ’70s, I had 4 of them.
the simple parts were available at the auto parts store.
Looking back, I wish I had kept at least two of them for now.
I don’t know the weight vs the aluminum Big Twins, but is probably a lot more.

[auldscott]

Search "Homelite Outboard," "Bearcat outboard," "Fisher-Price outboard," "Fageol Outboard." Several of the club members have ’em. There was also a 90 hp that was based (I think) on a Coventry-Climax engine.

[RICK EICHRODT]

Here are a couple of pictures of my 1970 Bearcat 55.

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[billw]

No cylinder head with overhead cam and valves? Why do I think Carl Kiekhaefer must have had something to do with that? Lol.

Long live American manufacturing!

[Rodrigo65]

First time boat owner I recently picked up a 1964 homelite on a 1964 sea king. Motor is untouched, no key , So I replaced ignition and did a full tune up. She fired right up but no water coming out. I heard people talking about check thermostat, visually I could not locate? Any ideas?

• This reply was modified 2 years, 10 months ago by Rodrigo65.
• This reply was modified 2 years, 10 months ago by Rodrigo65.

[frankr]

It’s been fourty forevers since I’ve seen one, but isn’t that black item on the backside of the exhaust elbow a thermostat housing?  Whether or not, it certainly needs a new water pump impeller after all these years.

[bkrsdoz]

The Homelites were variants of the defunct Crosley Automobile company engines. Crosley 4 cylinder cars/engines were made from 1946-1952. Then a variety of companies used the engine for many applications. Homelite Bearcat, Fisher Outboards, Fageol & Elgin inboard units, ThermoKing refrigeration units, and a few small production car companies put them to use. More info can be seen on the Crosley Automobile Club website.

[outboardnut]

My buddy in Gaylord Mi. would sell his Bearcat.
Comes with non functional boat and non functional trailer
I think he want $250 for everything
Contact me if you want his info

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