Kiekhaefer Rocket (long story)

[alittledinghy]

My newest acquisition is a Kiekhaefer Mercury Rocket,model KE 4, serial # 257445 in beautiful condition (appearance wise). The lady that gave it to me told me her husband bought it new and used it only a few times, but that every year he would service it, till a few years ago when he put it away for good.It has the carrying handle on top so i believe it to be a 1949 model,correct me if i am wrong please. I have ordered the service manual and while i wait for it's arrival i would like a starting point. The gas cap it stuck and is going to crumble if i put a tool on it. Any ideas on how to unscrew the gas cap ? How do i remove the tank and cowling and anything else required to begin my inspection and service ? what lube goes in the lower unit ? I am assuming any good marine two cycle oil for the fuel oil mix and the gas can that came with it says 50:1. Any or all of this sound accurate ? <br />I'm thinking of a carb cleaning and whatever parts it will need and a new impeller and spark plug. Thanks, Jerome

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Kiekhaefer Rocket (long story)

I believe the fuel mix is 24:1 on that old girl. Others will verify!<br /><br />Gear Lube(Grease)<br /><br /> web page

 

[alittledinghy]

Re: Kiekhaefer Rocket (long story)

Sorry, forgot this, It say 7.5 HP on the cowling along with the serial number. two blade prop.<br />Jerome

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Kiekhaefer Rocket (long story)

OK. 7.5HP Model KE-4 then:<br /><br /> web page<br /><br />Parts:<br /><br /> web page

 

[alittledinghy]

Re: Kiekhaefer Rocket (long story)

So the gas cap is off. any ideas about the other questions ?

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: Kiekhaefer Rocket (long story)

to add to previous(good) advice... <br />what I would do: squirt fav. lube in to plug holes<br />and turn her over by hand a few times slowly from<br />the flywheel. new plugs, fresh 24/1 mix and fire <br />the old girl up!<br />prob. will have to R/R carbs and fuel pumps and<br />add new fuel lines. if she has good compression,<br />u got a good reliable motor IMO.<br />good luck!<br />M.Y.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Kiekhaefer Rocket (long story)

Replace impeller(#4724472), Spark Plugs( Champion J8C), rebuild and/or clean Carb. Set float level in carb. Not sure which carb rebuild kit fits your motor. May need to call them or E-Mail for proper kit. They show the gasket and packing kit, but if a rebuild kit is available, I'd go with that. Their gasket and packing kit number is: 27-22023-1. Also, ask them about the fuel pump...<br /><br /> web page <br /><br />Phone # 610.489.4710 <br />E-Mail: grubbs@oldmercs.com <br /><br />I'd call though!

 

[alittledinghy]

Re: Kiekhaefer Rocket (long story)

I will follow all the great advice,<br /> thanks gents. Jerome