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KLC to KBL conversion

Posted: Thu Aug 15, 2019 12:02 pm
by jpoapst5
Hi, we have a new-to-us 1956 Sea Skiff, with a few challenges- the one remaining issue is a fast idle, which I almost have whipped (thanks to some past posts by The Razz).

The curious part, however is that the engine has KLC identification, engine #59590 but it also has the KBL triple carb setup. I'm guessing this was a past conversion, has anyone stumbled on this in past and am I correct to treat it as a KBL? Is there any subtlety I'm missing here?

It apparently was rebuilt 10+ years ago, with .030 over pistons, and was also converted to 12V in past.

Thanks for any advice.

Re: KLC to KBL conversion

Posted: Thu Aug 15, 2019 3:52 pm
by drrot
KLC, KBL, and KFL are basically the same with different carburetors
Your boat probably started life with a smaller engine and at some point in time it was given a boost.

Re: KLC to KBL conversion

Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2019 6:39 am
by Bilge Rat
Like Jim stated, it probably came with a smaller Chris Craft engine. For a 1956 Sea Skiff, I'm thinking a model K 95 HP. The hull card would show the original engine as built. Someone must have modified the engine dog house to accommodate the triple down draft carbs. Hopefully they changed the prop or modified the pitch to work with the extra horsepower as well.

I think you can consider this a KBL.