Newbie - Where do I start?

[ranger22]

I just bought my first ever outboard engine. Actually it's the first boat engine I've ever owned and I could use some pointers. I know in the FAQ it says to have the serial number handy but it's so scarred up I can't read it. <br /><br />It's a 1968 3.9 hp outboard with the name "Kiekhaeffer" on it although it says MErcury on the cowl. I have a repair manual on order for it but I'd like to clean it up and make sure it's in good order this weekend and I won't have the manual until next week. So please bear with me and any help with these questions would be greatly appreciated.<br /><br />The big one is how do I get the cowling off to get access to the engine?<br /><br />How do I tell if it's a 2 stroke or a 4 stroke?<br />All I got was the engine. It has a choke control (self explanatory), and an inlet for a gas line. <br /><br />What kind of gas container do I need for this engine and what kind of plumbing do I need to hook the tank to the engine?<br /><br />What are the parts most likely to fail on this engine that I should keep spares on hand? Does it have an alternator?<br /><br />What is the starting procedure for this engine?<br /><br />Is there any way I can test the engine for function before I attach it to the boat and have it in the water and what is the starting procedure for this engine? It has Reverse, Neutral and Forward gears if that matters. <br /><br />I've searched the net but no one is offering this information online, just manuals to buy, so any help would be appreciated and thanks for your patience.<br /><br />Best Regards,<br />Mike

 

[SeaKaye12]

Re: Newbie - Where do I start?

HI!<br /><br />Before any of the more knowedgable folks reply to you, maybe you could add what you know about the motor's history.<br /><br />Has it been run recently? If it was stored for long periods, was the preparation for storage done properly?<br /><br />The reason for these questions is that if it's been years since it's been run, there are other things that you need to address than if it was rund last week and you just took possession of it.<br /><br />Before you go any further, be absolutely certain that you uinderstand the proper fuel mix procedures (you have to mix oil with the gas...) and also make sure that you know how to tell if the engine is cooling properly. <br /><br />I can tell you that you have a 2 Stroke, as far as I can remember the Mercury's of that vintage used the same kind of gas can that they do today...just look at another Mercury...it's got a rubber hose with a squeeze ball and a metal fitting that pushes and turns where it connects to the engine.<br /><br />Remember...outboards don't like to be run out of water. If you're going to try that to test it...be sure that you've got the cooling water available. Running it in a garbage can is an easy way...<br /><br />I'll rest now and let someone who knows your engine well take over...<br /><br />Oh, the Kiekhaeffer name...that was the company's owner...Carl Kiekhaeffer<br /><br />Good Luck...Chuck

 

[05GlastronSX]

Re: Newbie - Where do I start?

first off, i dont feel like explaining the history of mercury and kiekhafer, so here you go read up if youwant...mercury history <br />1.Anyways, on my older 1970 20 hp. mercury you have a "face plate" in the front and you pushed a little white button on the top of that and the small front cover proped off. then you have to latches and you just open those and the cowl should loosen and come right off. <br /><br />2. your engine is a 2-stroke. they did not have 4 stroke outboard technology back then.<br /><br />3. you will have a metal 5-6 gallon gas tank with a gas line that has a primer bulb on it and you will have a small metal fitting that you pushing into the inlet and turn just like seakaye said. <br /><br />4. the engine does not have an alternator, and all parts are eventually going to fail, its just how well fo a job the person before you has prevented it from happening. <br /><br />5. the starting procedure is to first pump the primer bulb until it is hard and then without choke, pull the starter cord. if it doesnt start choke it slowly until it does. too much choke will flood the engine. <br /><br />6. for starting before going out, you need to get a set of muffs which attahc to your water intake holes on your lower unit. the muffs hook up to a hose and once water begins to leak out from the muffs the you know that it is safe to start he engine. make sure the muffs are on correctly..you dont want to blow your engine. also, do not put it into gear or rev it when using the muffs

 

[Laotzu]

Re: Newbie - Where do I start?

I don't know a thing about it, but there are many on this forum who know and love Kiekhaeffers. You'll get a lot of help if you put Kiekhaeffer in your post topic.<br /><br />Jerry

 

[KIGuy52]

Re: Newbie - Where do I start?

I have a '69 9.8 H.P (it's called a Merc 110)that I bought new. I think it's similar to your 3.9, only with 2 cylinders. It still runs fine, but the water pump impeller needs replacing every couple of years. That's a pretty easy job that you can do yourself. Mine came with a 2 gal. tank that I've since replaced. You can get a tank, hose and fitting at Wal-Mart. The fitting goes into the motor with a half-twist to the right. If your motor has what they called "Thunderbolt Ignition", then the spark plug will look strange because it only has a center electrode. I still have the original plugs in mine. Except for the water pump impeller, nothing's ever gone wrong with mine. Remember to check the lower unit grease before putting it on a boat. Sometimes people neglect that.

 

[KIGuy52]

Re: Newbie - Where do I start?

Typo....I meant 3 gallon tank