1962 Mercury kiekhaefer 450 45 hp telltale

[62Seaglass]

Hello, I just recently acquired this engine on my antique boat. I did a test tank run and was wondering if there is supposed to be a telltale coming from the engine area…… There is definitely water coming from the exhaust port, but I thought there was also supposed to be another telltale.

 

[merc850]

There should be a hole in the lower cowl pan on the port side, you have to get down and look up to see it; it could be clogged with debris. I would replace the impeller just to be safe.

 

[racerone]

You must install a new water pump impeller first.------This motor does not have an overheat horn or a shut down system.----It would run till it is too late.----Have one just like it in the back of my truck.----Tried to sell it at last swap meet but no takers.

 

[62Seaglass]

There should be a hole in the lower cowl pan on the port side, you have to get down and look up to see it; it could be clogged with debris. I would replace the impeller just to be safe.
View attachment 358144

Thank you! I will check it out….. Hopefully I didn’t do any damage

 

[62Seaglass]

You must install a new water pump impeller first.------This motor does not have an overheat horn or a shut down system.----It would run till it is too late.----Have one just like it in the back of my truck.----Tried to sell it at last swap meet but no takers.

That’s a bit scary. I did order a couple of impellers and will install a new one

 

[merc850]

You should also check the point gap in the magneto and the cam wick is important too.
Grease the top of the driveshaft and the propeller shaft and any bolts that hold the waterpump together, I use Anti-corrosion from Mercury.

 

[racerone]

Agreed.----Just 4 bolts ( 3/8" wrench ) to split the magneto.---Clean and set the breaker points------Careful work required as the bits may be a bit spendy if you damage plastic parts.----You can test spark output before putting magneto back in place.-----Magneto shaft only fits one way so no need to worry about timing.-----A new magneto drive belt should be considered.----Belts were all the same from early 1950's to late 1970's.----Most Mercury dealers will have it in stock.

 

[merc850]

Tell tale water is from the exhaust cooling manifold there are no hoses; shove a piece of wire in it to clean it out.

 

[62Seaglass]

Tell tale water is from the exhaust cooling manifold there are no hoses; shove a piece of wire in it to clean it out.
View attachment 358252

Thanks….. I will grab a wire and check it out

 

[62Seaglass]

Does not seem to be any obstructions

 

[merc850]

It's on the underside of the cowling you are looking at the inside you can't see it from there.

 

[racerone]

???----Where are you looking for the tell tale passage way ??-----The hole shown in the lower cowling is not the tell tale !!

 

[62Seaglass]

???----Where are you looking for the tell tale passage way ??-----The hole shown in the lower cowling is not the tell tale !!

Here are some under side pictures

 

[62Seaglass]

Another

 

[62Seaglass]

One more

 

[racerone]

???-----Those are drain holes should there be a leak in the cowling.----Either from rain or a gasket leak.----Drive by your local shop and ask them to show where a tell tale would be.

 

[merc850]

Here are some under side pictures

See that little hole in pic 1 near the text "full gearshift" that's it

 

[62Seaglass]

???-----Those are drain holes should there be a leak in the cowling.----Either from rain or a gasket leak.----Drive by your local shop and ask them to show where a tell tale would be.

Can do……first outboard…..I clearly don’t understand this units telltale

 

[62Seaglass]

See that little hole in pic 1 near the text "full gearshift" that's it

I’m going to check it out……thanks

 

[62Seaglass]

See that little hole in pic 1 near the text "full gearshift" that's it

Great tip! Found it and it was plumb packed full of something!?!?! Will follow up……