Vintage Mercury HP

[dave-bernard]

lighter and faster.

[chinewalker]

To some, the KG7 was the ’57 Chevy of outboards. There are other similar looking models out there, but only the KG7 will do.

[Randy in Tampa]

quote Chinewalker:

To some, the KG7 was the ’57 Chevy of outboards. There are other similar looking models out there, but only the KG7 will do.

KE7 2 reed plates KF7 4 reed plates KG7 8 plates more volume more speed and I believe they upgraded the carburetors too, at least that’s my understanding I’m not a Mercury guy although I do own all of the above 🙄

[chris-p]

The leg was more streamlined as well was it not?

[20mercman]

The stock lower unit shape is the same from the KE-4, KE-7, KF-7, KG-4 & KG-7. There were differences, prop shafts, drive shaft lengths etc., but the shape was basically the same. As for Reeds, yes, the KE-7 & KF-7 have 4 reeds, and were called "Lightning", the KG-4 & KG-7 were 8 reed motors and were called "Hurricane".

Steve

[rpenn]

Water pump cover stuck on Mercury kh7, ideas? Home made tool?

[20mercman]

On a KH-7, it is basically the same lower unit (some differences) as a Mark-20 and Mark 25. The cover on these full gear shift lower units is right hand thread. You should either get a good spanner wrench, but the best thing is to make a tool. Get a round block of steel that you can drill 4 holes in it that match up with the holes in the water pump cover. If you do it right, you can use the same block and drill another set for the prop shaft nut also. Get some roll pins that fit into the holes in the cover and use a pipe wrench on the block. This is what I have made, and it works great. If the cover is stuck, you may need heat to help loosen it up.

Steve

[rpenn]

Thank you Steve,

Yes, I have been thinking that through and hope I can line up the holes. I know there is a tool available but it is pricey. I appreciate the reply and encouragement.

Roger

[jeff-register]

The KG7 having a smaller lower unit uses less energy to push it through the water. The prop is smaller as well. Combining the both smaller lower & prop makes it faster too. I enjoy the both of my KG7 & KH7. For fishing I like a Johnson 7.5hp motor too. All depends what I have planed for the day. All three are very good outboards never to be made again. The 50’s thru the early 70’s were the best motors built I feel but that is just one guys opinion. I’m very happy running my 1954 Firestone 10hp too. Then again I have the bug too!
Jeff

[jeff-register]

Roger,
My first KG7 I could not get the cover off either. I ended up building a tool. Took a piece of trailer hitch strap & cut it 8 inches long, it was around 1.5" thick. I drilled a hole for the prop shaft to fit in the center of the metal. Once I had it on the shaft I could mark on the side to drill the two holes for the pins. I came real close to being right on. Next went to the hardware store & bought a box of pins. Dropped the pins in the tool & into the cover plate. They dropped right in. I pushed on the one side & hit the other & the pins jumped out. Next a big washer & the prop nut to hold them down. The impeller plate loosened right up & came off. I sanded the plate smooth on the inside side & used it again. Still have the home made tool.

[Author]

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