Xf-6

[BJuby]

We've made a new acquisition: XF-6 a 44ci looper. As I have been told it was owned at one point by Lon Stevens, but I do not think he was the original purchaser. The engine has probably been fired a couple times as again I have been told it was a "study motor" for Lon. The bore is completely standard across all bores. It does have evidence it saw fuel in it (minimal castor in some intake ports). Interestingly enough, the engine came with 5 NOS piston blanks and 4 new rods. I even have the original box the pistons were shipped from Stan to Lon Stevens. The plan as with the others is to restore to running condition. The only thing I don't have is a crank, everything is there. I am starting the build of FA-90 this weekend and FD-53 should be back home in a few weeks. Here are some pictures of the 44F.

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[BJuby]

For this build. What style crank should I use? Double row style or single row style needles for the main bearing? Is there a benefit to one over the other? I think the single row was later, why the change?

[R Austin]

The older crank used the single row of bearings. It had the labyrinth seal on both ends of the rollers. The newer crank ran the double row mains. With just the one seal between the bearings it exposed the ends of the rollers to better lubrication. Run the double row crank. Better support of the crank and better lubrication.

[BJuby]

Appreciate the info Dick. Will do!

Does anyone know what happened to the first F looper? The 44ci?

[Gene East]

I can't tell you what happened to the first 44 Looper, but I can tell you this.

O.F. Christner did not want to build a 44 Looper. He felt it would be too fast and would pose a danger to drivers based on the boats available at the time.

Jim Schoch and Earle Hull (OFC's son-in-law) secretly built the first 44 Looper while Chris was in Florida. They took it to a "free-for-all" race in Knoxville; kicked some major butt including a twin engine tunnel boat, and the rest is history.

A lot of people were very happy when Chris gave the OK to market what was the most powerful outboard of it's size at that time.

John Schubert and Charley Bradley are regular contributors to this forum. They both still speak with awe when talking about their 44 Loopers.

[F-12]

I'm here to tell you! I ended up with Bill Hosler's 44 flathead and went from a 40 cu inch Konig to the 44 on a D Butts Aerowing........ I can honestly say the Aerowing went from the safest ride I ever had to Atomic A Swift characteristics in one pull of the rope. I never found out how fast it would run.............ran out of boat.

[Steve Litzell]

As Charlie said, The motor Hosler had was stout for sure. The 44 was chosen by most as they would handle better on the boat and also out accelerate the sixes on most courses. The six would blow by on the big courses as the boats then were a hand full with the six as they still are today. The 44 is much more nimble on the back of the boat today as yesterday, and they revved quicker. Steve

[BJuby]

Thanks for the great info guys! I wonder if there is anyone left around that could shed light on the whereabouts of the first 44. Or if it is lost to time.

[Dave_E71]

Pretty sure I know where the last one is and it's NOS, I also know of a NOS 6 cylinder block in the shipping box. Sorry, not telling on either... The owners may chime in.

Dave

[BJuby]

The last 44ci NOS has been mentioned on this site and on the quincylooper website. That's not secret, though I haven't heard from him (seen him post) in a long time now. Sent him an email actually a couple times. Anyway, did not know of the 6 cylinder NOS though. I wonder what will happen to some of these engines "hidden away" in the next 10 to 15 years? The ones that are not mentioned on the internet and spoken of only in passing. I hope they get passed on, at least, that is my wish.

[Steve Litzell]

Unfortunately The motors that you hope will be saved most likely will not. There are not many as yourself that have a interest in Old Outboards much less race types. Look around, you will se old guy's with this stuff but very few young guy's. I have some flatheads but i have more Konig's. One is the only one left in the world. It is priceless to me, but when i turn toes up, Who gives a Rats *** about these old motors and their history. I could only hope that there is a place My stuff could be donated to for all to enjoy. Again if anyone cares. Also it would kill you to know of the motors that were traded in for Beer money as they were not useful for racing anymore. This is somewhat normal for race motors. Steve

[Gene East]

Unfortunately The motors that you hope will be saved most likely will not. There are not many as yourself that have a interest in Old Outboards much less race types. Look around, you will se old guy's with this stuff but very few young guy's. I have some flatheads but i have more Konig's. One is the only one left in the world. It is priceless to me, but when i turn toes up, Who gives a Rats *** about these old motors and their history. I could only hope that there is a place My stuff could be donated to for all to enjoy. Again if anyone cares. Also it would kill you to know of the motors that were traded in for Beer money as they were not useful for racing anymore. This is somewhat normal for race motors. Steve

Sad, but true! Don't forget to vote today. I can't think of anything short of a medical emergency that could be more important!

[narrowminded]

I care about the older engines and the history there is almost nothing from my dads days left and what is left is in the hands of big collectors. I cannot start a museum but I can take stuff to aomci meets if I can get my hands on something affordable

[BJuby]

Parts all together to send to Steve. He has to turn those blanks down among some other things. Can't wait.

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[Original Looper 1]

Steve is the Best!

[BJuby]

I am still looking for a set of large flared exhausts either 2 or 4 (preferably 6 in total). I have the earlier style to trade straight up or we can work something out. Thanks

[R Austin]

I am still looking for a set of large flared exhausts either 2 or 4 (previously 6 in total). I have the earlier style to trade straight up or we can work something out. Thanks

Email me [email]rkaustin6@gmail.com

[BJuby]

Forgot to post these. Steve opened up the ports the way the "good ol' boys" would have done back in the day after receiving from Quincy. He has matched up the midcase and front as well. The bores are standard and only needed a kiss from the hone. It doesn't matter really as I sent him 4 Stan Levendusky blanks, he can match them to whatever size he wants.

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i326/Astrolia44/8883DF3A-DF78-4811-9E73-6F7715C3F322_zpsvsqz4bfr.jpg (http://s1088.photobucket.com/user/Astrolia44/media/8883DF3A-DF78-4811-9E73-6F7715C3F322_zpsvsqz4bfr.jpg.html)

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i326/Astrolia44/ac20100b-f7aa-4ba6-8c0e-5ae1437fe9bb_zpswkvx4rf9.jpg (http://s1088.photobucket.com/user/Astrolia44/media/ac20100b-f7aa-4ba6-8c0e-5ae1437fe9bb_zpswkvx4rf9.jpg.html)

[BJuby]

After beating that b**** cancer, Steve is working along on this engine along with eventually 3 others of mine. Reportedly he is ready for test fitting. More updates to follow.

P.S. Since I have been invited to the Depue Reunion, if there is time for us to get on the water, I may run this engine along side a certain 6 cylinder looper. Could be quite a show :cool:

[J-Dub]

If you would quit sending things to Steve, I may have my 66" Looper at DePue...

J-Dub

[BJuby]

Some progress on the 44 Looper. Planing on running this with other F loopers in July in Depue, IL

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i326/Astrolia44/2E41059B-1455-44FD-9D59-4399456C6B77_zps710lttdi.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i326/Astrolia44/7D782D78-8314-46F3-AA65-11E1401DA294_zpsljk1hlmi.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i326/Astrolia44/6CD1541D-533E-4B9B-9FE6-C96136569153_zpsrgql6nif.jpg

http://i1088.photobucket.com/albums/i326/Astrolia44/2735C838-3DFD-4204-B1FD-192018536F51_zpsj6bxpjdf.jpg

[racingfan1]

I know J-Dub has hid dad's FA-1 Quincy motor but how many serial number 1 Quincy motors are accounted for ?

[BJuby]

I know J-Dub has hid dad's FA-1 Quincy motor but how many serial number 1 Quincy motors are accounted for ?

According to the Quincy Looper serial number list I have put together on this website there is only one serial #1 engine known to exist. It is as you said owned by J-Dub; FA-1.

There IS however the first produced 6 cylinder looper owned by Dick Austin. This motor does not have a serial number, but would not have been #1 anyway as the first "F-Class" Quincy Looper was a 44ci engine. Best guess is that it is either XF-2, XF-3, or XF-4, but again was never given a serial number so those numbers may have been taken by 44ci engines. I know this because both XF-5 and XF-6 are accounted for and are 44ci loopers. The next, XF-7 is the second produced 6 cylinder looper and is also owned by Dick Austin.

[racingfan1]

Is there any hope that others exist or is there knowledge of them being scrapped? Paul probably knows the original owners but following the paper trail could be fun !!!!

[J-Dub]

Last weeks progress on my XF engines. I hope to have the 44 powerhead done by this weekend. Anyone have a set of 44 head gaskets???


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[BJuby]

There is certainly hope that some of the other number 1s could exist. I add one more engine every other month or so. I know of a couple 2 cylinders and a 40ci, but the guy never gets back to me about the serial numbers, so those haven't been added yet. Just added a B looper to the list a couple weeks ago. But to answer the other part of your question, unless someone who owned one and documented the number or knows it personally was scrapped there is no way to know. The important ones (the 6s) I know that one of the two 66ci engines made from billet was destroyed (blown up). I think it could be safe to say that there could be around 20 total more (of various classes) sitting around the country that their serial numbers have not yet been recorded, but who knows, maybe I have most of them in my list and there is only a handful more.

[BJuby]

Is that the 66? Can you send me or post a picture of the porting on the block?

[J-Dub]

The 66 is at Dr. Litzell's getting new sleeves.

[F-12]

There is also another six out there that has no numbers for a serial....... simply stamped "GENE EAST"......

[BJuby]

Well the 44ci is assembled and ready for shipping back to us. Of course Steve had to get sick and was unable to send it out yesterday! :( ;)

[R Austin]

There is also another six out there that has no numbers for a serial....... simply stamped "GENE EAST"......

These are pictures of the first 6 cylinder looper built in the spring of 1966 for John McMullen of Flint Mi. ( M-14 ).

The top of the block with Genes handy work and the side of the block where the serial number is normally located, you can make out "GENE" punched in with what looks like a very small pin punch.


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[Original Looper 1]

WOW !

Gene was and will always be a Quincy Welding super star !

Folks they broke the mold !

regards

Paul A Christner .

[Gene East]

Rich and Paul

Thanks for the kind words. I never worked a day at Quincy Welding. How can you call doing what you enjoyed so much for 11 years, work?

I've always been embarrassed by stamping my name on that block. I wish I had not been so vain.

The only person at Quincy Welding who ever build a complete motor by himself was O.F. Christner!

All of us @ Q.W. contributed in our own way in building the BEST outboard racing engines of their day.

We built a great product and we had every reason to be proud of the results!

I do remember being at a boat show in Muscatine, IA several years ago. I was standing near Richard Austin's display when 2 former boat racers who had never seen a Quincy Looper before, asked if I knew anything about those "funny looking" motors. I showed them my name on this particular engine and answered many of their questions. I think they left believing I did know a little bit about those "funny looking" motors.

I have many fond memories of being involved with boat racing over the past 60 years as either a spectator or participant. There are no finer people on this planet than BOAT RACERS!

[BJuby]

She's home. I have a bit of work to do. Modifying the tower I am going to use, opening up the carb bolt areas on the Carter Ns to match the front crankcase bolt pattern, make some exhaust pipe gaskets (not fun! ;) ), etc.

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[Original Looper 1]

Wow ! Dr. Litzell is the number one Machinist and engine builder on Pro outboards Living !

Regards !

Paul A Christner .

[J-Dub]

Geez Paul... That's how rumors get started... Now Steve will get wind of this and start charging what it REALLY cost to do this type of work...

J-Dub

[BJuby]

Getting some progress on the 44. I had to machine and adapt my existing steel tower and adapter plate to fit this engine. Long story, but the bearing carrier position and therefore bolts are different on this engine. I had to make relief holes for the bolts in the tower and adapter plate as a result.

Going to make a run out to Fastenel for more mounting hardware (carb nuts and fuel pump bolts). The crank threads are slightly burred so I have to resolve that. It's never easy, but then this stuff wouldn't be as fun.

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[BJuby]

Poor video quality, but you get the idea.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QXFnd707Jk