1965 Mercury/Kiekhaefer - 6hp - Health Check & Cleanup

[solracmd]

Re: 1965 Mercury/Kiekhaefer - 6hp - Health Check & Cleanup

Latest report, engine running fine for several days (starting liking a charm and easily) ... some days was just sitting in lake .... rain on and off but, seemed unaffected previously. Yesterday evening I try to start and it seems like it became flooded. After numerous turn overs, where the engine starts (after applying choke) and runs for 5 to 10 sec it bogs down and shuts off. When I apply throttle it appears to try to keep running but, still bogs and shuts off. Almost seems like it is not gettin fuel (i checked fuel cap vent and it was open). Here are my rookie questions before I go out to try starting again (shoulder is big time sore/aching lol):
1) Do these engines flood easily, any steps or precautions?
2) I noticed fuel drops dripping from tell tale, should i pull plugs and air out
3) I did not disconnect fuel tank, should i do this daily
4) Should i consider new fuel line connector or anything like that, I am using original tank, hose, etc

 

[mercuk]

Re: 1965 Mercury/Kiekhaefer - 6hp - Health Check & Cleanup

Latest report, engine running fine for several days (starting liking a charm and easily) ... some days was just sitting in lake .... rain on and off but, seemed unaffected previously. Yesterday evening I try to start and it seems like it became flooded. After numerous turn overs, where the engine starts (after applying choke) and runs for 5 to 10 sec it bogs down and shuts off. When I apply throttle it appears to try to keep running but, still bogs and shuts off. Almost seems like it is not gettin fuel (i checked fuel cap vent and it was open). Here are my rookie questions before I go out to try starting again (shoulder is big time sore/aching lol):
1) Do these engines flood easily, any steps or precautions?
2) I noticed fuel drops dripping from tell tale, should i pull plugs and air out
3) I did not disconnect fuel tank, should i do this daily
4) Should i consider new fuel line connector or anything like that, I am using original tank, hose, etc

I rekon you need a new fuel pump diaphram kit..... Sounds like your fuel pump is getting a little weak.. Does the engine stay running if you prime the fuel line bulb??!! (the black rubber bulb thing on your gas line)

That or carb has got a bit of crud blocking up one one the jets/inlet valve... But the way you described it, I would go with fuel pump theory....

 

[solracmd]

Re: 1965 Mercury/Kiekhaefer - 6hp - Health Check & Cleanup

Hmmm, I just went out to check on it. Fuel line bulb stays hard, was wondering about that. I put choke on, turned throttle once and it started on first pull. Again, runs for 5 to 10 secs, can give it gas a bit and then shuts down. Setting choke to off position causes it to shut down. Odd thing is that it was working flawlessly for a week. Starting simply and running without question.

 

[bgc]

Re: 1965 Mercury/Kiekhaefer - 6hp - Health Check & Cleanup

Carb need some attention. Get a rebuild kit, check float, check float/needle adjustment. After that when you go for start up bring mix screw out 1.5 turns and adjust accordingly.

 

[mercuk]

Re: 1965 Mercury/Kiekhaefer - 6hp - Health Check & Cleanup

Sounds like your carb might of sucked up some muck and needs a good clean..

If you don't have got a compressed air line at your disposal to blow air through the jets, find some good carb or brake/clutch cleaner to loosen and blast anything that might be stuck in there.

One thing I will say is not disrespect to bgc, but if it was running flawlessly before, I would set the mixture screw to exactly what it was before to save pratting around trying to find the "sweet spot"...
I.E wind you mixture screw in SLOWLY until its GENTLY seated, but pay special attention to EXACTLY how many turns it to seat the needle.
Once you have found how many turns it was (i.e 1 turn or 1.5 etc) unscrew it completely and blast with compressed air or carb/clutch/brake cleaner.
Just remember where EVERYTHING went in the carb, especially if its you first time taking it appart... Take your time, do it right and your engine will be up and running in no time... Good luck and let us know how you get on...

 

[solracmd]

Re: 1965 Mercury/Kiekhaefer - 6hp - Health Check & Cleanup

As always, thanks guys for your quick replys. I pulled the engine off boat and have situated it on stand. Quick question, where would i obtain a rebuild kit (if I go thru with that) and, is the mixture screw the one on the top. I have attached pic

 

[bgc]

Re: 1965 Mercury/Kiekhaefer - 6hp - Health Check & Cleanup

The screw in question is above and to the right of the air horn facing the same direction. The brass screw on top of the carb is for the jet.
www.oldmercs.com is the best source I know of for any parts that you cant find here at iboats.

The highest part of the carb, to the left of the air horn, is a filter. Open it up and take a look and clean it, be gentle putting it back together if its not sitting right it breaks when you tighten it.

 

[solracmd]

Re: 1965 Mercury/Kiekhaefer - 6hp - Health Check & Cleanup

Latest update, cleaned up around engine internals to avoid potential of flaking paint or other minor debris being sucked into engine. Pulled out mixture screw and sprayed carb cleaner as well as, used compressed air. Also, pulled bolt out (not tight at all) to loosen cover and inspect filter, although i could not remove to view fully (due to obstructing at the top... did not want to unbolt carb... guess that would have been next) looked very clean. After reinstalling filter cover, reconnecting plugs, putting cowling back on, hooking up fuel line, choke, some throttle and various pulls there was absolutely "no indication" of combustion/starting.

Paused, pondered, took a look at fuel line from tank. Decided to disconnect fuel line and poke at ball bearing in connector to see if gas was flowing. Ah ha!!!, the culprit, after unsticking, fuel flow appears to be the cause all along. Apparently there was enough fuel in carb for various initial starts when I was first troubleshooting. Question, after I unstuck ball bearing and listen I could hear very light hissing into carb while pumping bulb.... should that be my "indicator" on things flowing. Just tryin to establish good habits. Also, if I should be doing anything better pls advise ... thanks in advance

 

[bgc]

Re: 1965 Mercury/Kiekhaefer - 6hp - Health Check & Cleanup

Take a look at the male fuel coupler on the motor and compare this to the factory setup. There is a small stud on the end that will depress the check valve "Ball Bearing" when the couplers are fully engaged.
The hissing is the fuel/air passing the needle seat but could be something else.