How to tell a dockbuster

[jakedaawg]

Is there an easy way to tell an old dockbuster? I know nothing about these old mercs. Way before my time.

I ended up with an old kiekaufer merc. 950, distributor, two coils...it runs but only seems to have forward. 130 psi compression.

planning on putting it out as a freebie but if it's a dockbuster I am just going to scrap it.

what kind of pics or info would someone need to tell me if it's safe to give away. I dont want any liability.

 

[GA_Boater]

If it's on a boat, look for a lot of bow scrapes.

Dockbusters have a funky starter because it's two starters in one. A clockwise and a counter-clockwise to change motor direction.

Also there is no shift linkage and shaft down to the lower unit.

I think Dockbusters have value to a purist restorer. Before giving it away or scraping it, I would find out for sure. Got a serial number?

 

[GA_Boater]

Double solenoids, too. A forward and reverse.

 

[racerone]

Prop is left hand.

 

[jakedaawg]

Thanks guys, I'll set it out with an$50 sign. That out to get it stolen...

 

[racerone]

I do not believe a 950 was offered as a " silent neutral " motor.

 

[jakedaawg]

I am not sure how long it took but in 4 hours it was gone

 

[GA_Boater]

With 50 bucks in your pocket or thin air? :smile:

 

[jakedaawg]

Thin air, but I did not put a sign on it...I dont need another merc laying around...I must have 10 dead ones of various sizes I use for parts but I dont touch the old ones.

 

[jimmbo]

You could have made a bit of money parting it out, as parts are getting scarce for those 60 yr old motors.

 

[gm280]

Interesting article. I didn't even know what a "dockbuster" was until I researched it after reading this thread. Why would they ever build such an engine in the first place... SMH

 

[racerone]

They built it because the owner of the company wanted it / demanded it.---He also did not use stainless shafts.----Said they could not be made strong enuff.-----All the while OMC was using stainless in most of the motors.---Carl Kiekheafer------Also without a reverse gear to create drag the motor might be faster.------Read the book on this man-----" The Iron Fist "-----Great reading.-----Above all you must realize that the 1950's were a totally different mindset too !-----Notice that you see more old Johnson / Evinrude motors from the 50's / 60's than Mercury.

 

[merc850]

I have a DR Merc 700 and I ran it for 12yrs. it is a good motor and easy to operate; even pull starting, I replaced it because I wanted power trim and prop selection of a newer motor. People who are unable to work one should stick to a canoe.

 

[merc850]

I would also like to point out that Boobier Bombardier made PWC that had no gears (for more years than Mercury) and my brother in-law ran one into our dock!

 

[jimmbo]

The reason for the Revering Engine was that Mercury didn't have a Full Shift Gearcase in production that was strong enough to handle the increase in Torque that came along with a 50% increase in displacement

 

[merc850]

The reason for the Reversing Engine was that Mercury didn't have a Full Shift Gearcase in production that was strong enough to handle the increase in Torque that came along with a 50% increase in displacement

Exactly.

 

[racerone]

Mr Kiekheafer also did not want anything to do with sterndrives either.----Then his company become a world leader with them in later years.

 

[jakedaawg]

You could have made a bit of money parting it out, as parts are getting scarce for those 60 yr old motors.

That's certainly a true statement. I find it's more work than it's worth in my case. One man shop with too much work and I just dont get more than a couple calls a year from people looking. All my folks have gone 4 stroke so I am planning on scrapping all the 2 strokes piling up in the sheds, I have better use for the space and not enough time to inventory what may be left on each. Not to mention crates and shipping. This one actually still ran so better to let it find a home with somebody who may use it or get some $ out of it.