1940 V8 60 Crank

Oakhurst

Oakhurst

Senior Member
I have to replace the block on my V8 60 engine for my old wooden race boat (HEBE). It is the PODH class. In considering a 1940, I have been told the crank is longer to enable a different fan connection, but also that the "coupler" would be moved back. What is the "coupler." Does moving it back change the location of the flywheel and output shaft? The boat hull is stepped and there is no room.
 
The coupler that I have, once used in a hydroplane powered by a '40 60hp V-8, consists of two cylindrical pieces of steel tubing with small sprockets welded to one end of each tube. Both sprocket ends are coupled with a piece of sprocket chain. This coupler connects the crankshaft to the screw/prop shaft.
 
That is the same coupling I have now. I don't understand what the longer length of the 40 crank has to do with the flywheel and output shaft?
 
The flywheel on my engine is a lightened version of a stock flywheel. The only other part on the flywheel is an adapter used to drive a mechanical tach. One end of the two piece coupler fits on the front of the crankshaft in place of the crankshaft pulley. I believe that end of the coupling also provides the sealing surface for the front main seal.
 
Wow, i am really confused. Are you saying the coupler is driven off the front of the motor?
So the motor is mounted "backwards?"
Mine uses the regular output shaft inserted in the flywheel at the rear of the engine, driving the prop shaft "cracker box" style.
 
I'm not sure what you mean. Is your output shaft driven off the front of the motor, and the motor mounted "backwards?"
 
Yes, the coupler attaches to the front of the engine on the crankshaft extension in place of the CS pulley which is no longer necessary to drive a fan belt, water pumps, generator, or cooling fan.

Here's a good book on the little 60hp engines that you may want to get. Rich Willim has passed away, but his son Marty has had this book reprinted.

I found one picture that shows the drive coupling attached to the front of the crankshaft.
 

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OK, got it. Thanks. I did not know any of these were mounted with drive off the front.
What was the reason?
 
The 40 crank has a longer and larger front snout
is the bellhousing cut off yours like the picture?

I have both crankshafts, but not at home, If you can wait till the weekend I can get measurements

The 40 crank gives you more material, it can be turned to fit

How fast do you spin it---years ago i bought out a old racers collection of 60NOS parts, he said that a stock bottom end built to Ford specs would last 2 seasons at 7000 rpm, but at 7500 only 1/2 season
 
Oakhurst said:
OK, got it. Thanks. I did not know any of these were mounted with drive off the front.
What was the reason?
Click to expand...

[1] the engine can be mounted lower in the boat
[2] kept the starter and flywheel out of the water
[3] standard rotation for an inboard used to be RH [don't ask why]
 
Oakhurst said:
OK, got it. Thanks. I did not know any of these were mounted with drive off the front.
What was the reason?
Click to expand...

I'm not totally sure I know all the reasoning for this, but to my way of thinking, the front CS snout offers a more convenient coupling point, plus the engine tends to slant down in the front as it sits on the oil pan due to the larger part of the sump located in the rear, which may allow for a lower profile engine mounting as compared to a drive system mounted to the flywheel end of the engine.
 
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A lot of V8 boat engines ran off the front of the crank. I've seen small block Chevy engines set up this way too.
 
Has the book by Richard Willam been reprinted yet ? If so, where can you get a copy ?

Thank you Fordbarners.
 
russcc said:
Has the book by Richard Willam been reprinted yet ? If so, where can you get a copy ?

Thank you Fordbarners.
Click to expand...

Try contacting Marty Willim, the late Rich Willims son. He was working on getting his dads book reprinted. I think it's a done deal. I think I saw them offered here in the classified section, and I know I saw them for sale on Facebook.

Marty Willim is a member here, although he doesn't appear to be very active. I would suggest sending him a pm/email using the Fordbarn system. Also, try looking him up on Facebook and sending him a message there.

http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/member.php?u=69678

Another thread on this subject:

http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=195058
 
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