Mercury ke-7 condensers

[Waunnaboat]

I’ve deduced that the issue running that my ke-7 I had posted some weeks ago about is most likely condenser related.  I have yet to remove the flywheel because of the goofy flywheel nut that is part of the recoil system, but through the holes in the top of the flywheel, I believe it to have the Bendix coils.  Where could I find the condensers for this, or how could I “fix” them.  I’ve heard of people fixing condensers, but never seen any information on how to actually go about this.  Also, is there a relatively easy tool to make to remove the flywheel nut?  Otherwise I may just try to use an adjustable pipe wrench, but that seems like it would not work well.

"Outboards seem to multiply exponentially..........I find that for every finished project, there are two more waiting to be completed."

[RICHARD A. WHITE]

So you like that Mercury flywheel nut?  Sure is a bute eh!

We have spoken and I think we met at Tomahawk?  Anywho… send me a pm, I can then get your address, I can loan you my tool to pull that nut, so long as you promise to send it back!  I think there are 2 sizes… and I did have both at one time…lol

 

http://www.richardsoutboardtools.com
classicomctools@gmail.com

[8nman]

I’m located in Tomahawk happy to help if your close. Have the tool and another I made for setting the points.

Ted

[green-thumbs]

Bendix type K Magneto is found on several brands of outboards and small engines of late 1940s and early 1950sl There is a Bendix site that is worth download and print for reference. Mercury had a service tool to fit the Ratchet Nut and several other service tools for working on Bendix magnetos. The tools are worth having, but, they are not essential. More than likely you will find problems under the flywheel. Your first time
doing anything can be a real learning experience. Fear Not, other mortals have been there before you and lived to tell the tale. They are here to share experience and advice,
Good Luck
Louis

[Waunnaboat]

the coils are good but the condensers are bad.  it runs for a bit until the condensers miss a few spark cycles, at which point it will not restart until it has sat for at least a few minutes… which to my knowledge means bad condensers, but I have yet to understand ignition systems well.

"Outboards seem to multiply exponentially..........I find that for every finished project, there are two more waiting to be completed."

[green-thumbs]

Install new condensers and see if things improve.
Condensers are cans with coils of metal foil and insulating wax paper or later mylar film
Capacitors serve same purpose in electronics. If desired a
capacitor can be installed inside condenser can for original look,
Rating in Micro Feraads (sp?) is about the same value.
Coils can look bad and be good
or loook good and be bad. They can also start and run for a while
and quit, A friend rebuilt magnetos for antique engines and he ran them in on a test rig to see how they behaved once warmed up.
Upper crankshaft seal is often the one installed at factory and is leaking. Magnet rotor has to be removed to get at seal Can be done without service tools if you are gentle and do not pry or hammer,,
Good Luck
Louis
.
a

1 user thanked author for this post.

Waunnaboat

[crosbyman]

fyi..chat gpt reply

I guess any .22uf should do for a test

The condenser (capacitor) for a Mercury KE7 (Magneto part number 398-713) should have a capacitance around 0.15 to 0.19 microfarads (µF).

 

Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

1 user thanked author for this post.

Waunnaboat

[Waunnaboat]

I’ll see if replacing the condensers works before I mess with the coils.  If I get the electricals working well, could the entire coil/stator plate/condenser assembly minus the advance lever be interchangable with a champion 4ks racer?  It also has some sort of Bendix electricals.

"Outboards seem to multiply exponentially..........I find that for every finished project, there are two more waiting to be completed."

[joecb]

My $0.02 on the subject of condensers…. 0.22 mf capacitor will work fine in just about any ignition application from your 1957 Chevy 283 to most outboards. True the spec book may call for  .15 to .19 mf for a particular motor but in reality, with the +/- tolerance on common capacitors being about +/- 10% or 15%  one can see the possible range. Consider that the very high quality caps like the Vishay foil caps are rated +/- 5% on capacitance. Go ahead and install the .22 mf and I bet all will be good.

Joe B

1 user thanked author for this post.

Tubs

[RICHARD A. WHITE]

They also have the ceramic caps, in the range needed, another option for you.  pretty cheap as well.

http://www.richardsoutboardtools.com
classicomctools@gmail.com

[Author]

Posts