Mercury 60 (6HP) Serial# 2080810 Tune-Up Help

[Lou N]

All,

I'm new to boat engines and I have a Mercury Kiekhaefer 6hp twin that needs a tune-up. The motor runs, but it's hard to start. The motor came with a Jon boat we purchased a couple of years ago. Based on the serial number I believe it's a 1964/65 or '66.

Not sure where to start tune-up wise or where to find parts. I did find a source for a pdf manual for $6. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Lou

 

[Fun Times]

Mercury Kiekhaefer 6hp twin that needs a tune-up.

A quick history fact for us all today here on this June 4... In my search of your parts request, I just ran across that today is E. Carl Kiekhaefer birthday.

An unwavering commitment to quality is a Mercury Marine hallmark, and that characteristic has direct roots to its founder, E. Carl Kiekhaefer Born June 4, 1906, in Mequon, Wis.

Mercury Marine - A Worldwide Leader in Marine Propulsion | Mercury Marine

Manufacturers of outboard motors and MerCruiser inboard engines, with over 4000 dealers in the United States.

www.mercurymarine.com

Happy birthday Carl.

One of the best places for the older engines for help is usually maxrules.com as they tend to specialize in the older engines. https://www.maxrules.com/

I haven't located a parts guide for the 6 HP but here would be an area it may had been for an online search, https://www.mercruiserparts.com/mark-vintage-mercury

 

[racerone]

Might just need breaker points cleaned.-----Post some information.-----Do a compression test.-----Does spark jump a gap of 1/4" or more.------It will need a new water pump impeller.-----A Mercury dealer will help with parts.------Not hard to find.

 

[Lou N]

Thanks for the replies. Interesting that it's E. Carl Kiekhaefer birthday; I'm taking that as a sign of good karma

I think I'll open up the motor and make a list of parts I may need, check the compression, and then dig around the various parts dealers for what I need. At the minimum I'll change the plugs, impeller, lower gear lube, and grease everything up.

Lou