Ongoing projects: 1969 Kiekhaefer Mercury Merc 200 20 hp

I have decided to start a new series of posts on this blog. This series is called ongoing projects. I don't think the title needs any further explanations.

I, just like any other engine collector and restorer, have engines that fit into several different categories. Running engines that need no work, minor projects that need some service work and such, and long time projects. Some even have a so called some day-category, which contains projects that are going to be addressed some day.

Ongoing projects contains engines that need more work than others and doesn't have to keep a timeschedule per se. Of course I'd like to finish any project as soon as possible but I've realized that time is not on my side every day.

Anyway, on to the first engine of this series. This is a 1969 Kiekhaefer Mercury Merc 200 20 hp. This one is in a very rough shape at first glance, but underneath all the dirt and grime is a real diamond in the rough to be found. 

The engine is seized from sitting at the moment, but I have it soaking in wd-40 as we speak so it should free it right up. 

The engine is complete part wise, all that is missing is the prop (no big deal) and the chrome plated face plate. If anyone has got one, give me a heads up! 

This engine is probably going to need new coils, condensers, points, impeller, all new main gaskets, plus a carburetor cleaning. Then I'll have to decide what to do about the cosmetics. Right now, I figure I'm going to gice the paint job a real good rubbing to see what can be saved. Otherwise I'll probably have to paint and apply new decals. 

1977 Johnson Seahorse 25 hp

Big news from the Petrolists workshop: for the first time, an engine has been sold! Previously I've just been acquiring new engines but it got to the point when I realised that I had to let some engines go. After running out of storage space and time to tinker with them all, I new something had to be done. After serious consideration I came to a decision about which engines to sell. This was the first one to go. It is a 1977 Johnson Seahorse 25 hp, model number 25BA77H. It is in an overall good, all original condition. It has got some scratches and dings but hey, it is 38 years old!

It seemed to go to a good home and I wish the new owner good luck and happy boating!

Note the dirty finger prints. Ha!

Engine related acessories

I have found that when collecting something, you always collect not only the main thing, but also things related to them.

Sometimes original acessories raise the value of collector items and sometimes not. For me personally, it just makes the item more collectable. Nothing floats my boat as finding something original belonging to the engine..be it trivial as the gas tank, or an original receipt of purchase or owners manual. Usually these things get lost over the years. I also love stories around the engines, so usually when talking to the seller/donor I always try to get him/her to tell me as mush as possible of its history.

Here are some things that I have gotten with my engines. I'll start off with the original owners manual for my Evinrude Sportwin 10 hp. The manual is in Finnish and is in a really good shape.

My engine was bought brand new from Ab Haldin & Rose Oy in Pietarsaari.

Next up is the original, English, owners manual for my 1977 Seagull.

And here is the Finnish one that also came with the engine

Original Seagull combination spanner and spare prop springs

All these parts came in this awesome Seagull plastic folder.

Original tool roll for my 1970 Yamaha P250

And here is a fantastic plastic bag with ads for Chrysler Marine

Running a couple of motors

Today I ran a couple of old motors on the lake and wanted to show you some footage of it. I decided to run my 1951 Johnson Seahorse HD-26 and my 1960 Johnson Seahorse JW-16.

1970 Yamaha P250 15 hp

Here is another oddball engine. This is a 1970 Yamaha P250 15 hp. 

There is little to no info to be found about these engines. It's a two-stroke, twin cylinder, probably 250 cc's (based on model number).

It runs on both kerosene and gasoline, which is quite unusual! The engine is started on gasoline, and when it has reached working temperature you switch over to kerosene. Of course it is possible to run it on gasoline only too.

Kerosene, also known as jet aviation fuel (jet fuel), burns less violently than gasoline and therefore it needs to burn in a pre heated environment. That's why it is really hard, almost impossible, to start it cold on gasoline.

It came with its original fuel tank and tool roll.

G-Pull = pull switch for gasoline

K-Push = push switch for kerosene

Starter usually known as choke

The gas tank is a one-in-two models,it has different containers for gasoline and kerosene.