Odd Mercury KE4?

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  • John Friesch

    US Member - 2 Years
    Replies: 2
    Topics: 1
    #193896

    I picked up a Mercury KE4 being scrapped by an outboard repair shop. S/N 2173?3. So an early model. What is odd is there is a twist grip throttle that advances the ignition, transom clamps that look really beefy and a bracket in the back of the motor for resting on the ground

    Is this a modified motor?

    Thank you

    John

    IMG_2260

    IMG_2254

    • This topic was modified 4 years, 1 month ago by John Friesch.
    • This topic was modified 4 years, 1 month ago by John Friesch.
    • This topic was modified 4 years, 1 month ago by John Friesch.

    kirkp


    Replies: 240
    Topics: 16
    #193903

    I’ll be the first to stick my foot in my mouth.
    – I believe the twist throttle was a after market accessory.
    – The transom clamps look they could be off a Mark 5.
    – can you take a picture of the back bracket?

    I’m sure someone will come along and provide correct/more info
    kirk


    John Friesch

    US Member - 2 Years
    Replies: 2
    Topics: 1
    #193905

    Thank you for the reply. I’ve attached a somewhat poor picture of the rear bracket. I will not be able to get better pictures for several weeks.

    IMG_2258


    frankr

    US Member - 1 Year (includes $3 online payment fee)
    Replies: 6715
    Topics: 51
    #193909

    I am very far from being a Mercury expert, but that throttle gizmo looks too professional to be a back-yard creation. It took some creativity to make those castings. The rear carrying handle does look strangely familiar. Maybe a proto-type? I dunno.


    billw

    US Member - 2 Years
    Replies: 2071
    Topics: 66
    #193912

    I have a throttle set up like that, that came off a KE7. Definitely aftermarket but I don’t know the manufacturer. My bet on the transom clamp handles is that they were “home made,” but by someone with talent. I agree with Frank that the back rest looks familiar. It looks kind of Martin-like but that is just a wild-ass guess. Wow, all the accessories on that thing make it worth about tens times what a normal, bottom-cowlless KE4 would be worth! Nice score.

    Long live American manufacturing!


    dave-bernard

    US Member - 1 Year (includes $3 online payment fee)
    Replies: 2014
    Topics: 30
    #193934

    throttle and rear handle are aftermarket. clamp handles not mercury.


    squierka39

    US Member - 1 Year (includes $3 online payment fee)
    Replies: 610
    Topics: 34
    #193935

    The twist throttle was an aftermarket accessorie, there is an article in the Antique Outboarder about them. The rear handle was also an accessorie, it might have been sold be Mercury I’m not sure. That’s a nice one to have.


    The Boat House


    Replies: 4549
    Topics: 111
    #193936


    Buccaneer

    US Member - 1 Year (includes $3 online payment fee)
    Replies: 7493
    Topics: 1072
    #193938

    Really neat…….. now everyone is going to want one now!

    Prepare to be boarded!


    green-thumbs

    US Member - 2 Years
    Replies: 583
    Topics: 43
    #193961

    Mercury Parts Catalog serial number range for KE4 initial series
    is 214324 thru 258220. Some of the early series have KD cylindrs,
    pistons and water jackets with a formed and welded steel
    bracket to adapt tank ring to water jacket.
    The rear handle may be an attempt to emulate the same feature
    on KF5, KG4 KF7 and KG7 of same vintage. KG4 is an optional
    feature while those on KF5,KF7 and KG7 are part of tank ring.
    Louis
    Mark 7 with serial numbers within the KE4 serial number ranges are
    not uncommon and may have been KE4 models that were converted
    after Mark was adopted,

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