How many have a KE4 KD4?

[green-thumbs]

Kiekhaefer Mercury 11 cu in 6 hp twin from late 1940s
A Green tanker, but, under the tank there is a surprise in the form of a fabricated steel bracket to adapt KD4 upper water jacket for use with
the later type tank ring and tank. It also has KD4 type pistons, rods and
cylinders. I D tag says KE4. It does have the later cranks shaft and thin reed block of KE4 models. Mercury Parts Manual parts list indicates that it is as Kiekhaefer made it.
Serial number is within range of initial block of serial numbers.
Interesting example of Kiekhaefer using up old stock parts inventory
Waste not, Want not transition model.
If you have one Please respond.
Louis

• This topic was modified 4 years, 2 months ago by green-thumbs.

[49morphew]

The KD3 and later KE3 are an example of the same. Power heads are interchangeable

[billw]

I had a KE4 some years ago. I owned it for a long time. In that time, I am sure I must have had the tank off; but I don’t remember that bracket….nor do I remember what it DID have for a bracket! I know the Mark 7 is very similar to a KE4 but with a water-cooled exhaust manifold. It must have had very similar cylinder water jackets. I wonder how THOSE were adapted to the green tank ring?

Long live American manufacturing!

[green-thumbs]

As best I can determine, some of the first run KE4 were made using KD4
parts (upper water jacket, cylinders, pistons and connecting rods) This required an adapter to mate the later tank and ring to the earlier
water jacket, It does have the later crankshaft and thinner reed block
This was a very puzzling motor until I noticed the parts manual listed
two part numbers for upper water jacket, cylinders, pistons and rods.
The cylinder block will accept the KD4 and KE4 parts…as the photos
indicate.
I am curious about how many members have a KE4 with KD4 parts
made that way at factory. The adapter bracket is easy to spot.
I would expect serial numbers to be a low end of first run, but, that
is a guess.
Louis

[The Boat House]

• This reply was modified 4 years, 2 months ago by The Boat House.
• This reply was modified 3 years, 2 months ago by The Boat House.

[kirkp]

I’ll have to take a look at my KE4 since you have roused my curiosity. It’s an early model with serial number 234XXX. Good compression numbers and phelon coils as a plus.
Kirk

Edit: started looking at my KE4 parts list and think I need to look into the phelon statement a bit. List says early KE4 should be scintilla. 🙁

• This reply was modified 4 years, 2 months ago by kirkp.

[green-thumbs]

KE4 Mercury up to serial # 259419 had Bendix Scintilla Magneto
Serial # 259420 and up KE4 Mercury had Phelon Magneto
All Mark 7 have Phelon Magneto.
Per Mercury Parts Manual HOWEVER, either magneto will fit any
KE4 or Mark 7 without any alteration to powerhead

Louis

[jeff-register]

Louis,
I have a KD4 & a KF3. Waiting to finish my 57 DR. Still have Bendix & Phelon coils.

• This reply was modified 4 years, 2 months ago by jeff-register.

[green-thumbs]

KD4 usually have Eisemann 72 H magneto although I have a parts posterss for KD4 and KD3 that show a part which appears to be
adapter to allow use of a Bendix magneto, I have not seen either the
part or a KD4 with Bendix magneto, but, I have lived a sheltered life.
KF3 had mostly Bendix magnetos, but, last run had Phelon.
Several years ago a KF3 powerhead was on ebay and it had the
Phelon magneto…kind of a rare magneto with unique cam and flywheel
KD3 could have either Eisemann or Bendix magneto, however, if
recall rightly that would require a different crankcase casting unless
the adapter was actually manufactured and used.
Part No. M 10 147 on KD4 parts poster
Part No, M 10 148 on KD3 parts poster
Louis
KD4 and KD4S were 11 cu in 6hp twins based upon prewar Kiekhaefer
twins sold under Mercury and Wizard brands. Mercury KD4S was replaced by KE4 later renamed Mark 7. Bore, stroke and displacment
remained the same but power output increased to 7 1/2hp.
An unknown number of first production run of KE4 were built with KD4
type rods,pistons,cylinders and water jackets. They did have the improved reed block and crankshaft as well as a new design tower gear case and water pump assembly.
A point of interest to me is how common are the KE4 motors made with a mix of KD4 and KE4 components?
Easy way to tell is does your KE4 have KD4 upper water jacket with a
fabricated steel adapter to link water jacket to fuel tan ring.
I would appreciate hearing from other who have hybrid Mercs.
Louis

• This reply was modified 4 years, 2 months ago by green-thumbs.

[kirkp]

Louis, just wondering if this motor is yours? If so, what is the serial number?

Went out and looked at my KE4 and it has the standard water cylinder with the cast ears.

One last question. Did you really mean that you’ve never seen a KD4 with scintilla coils?

Kirk

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