Kiekhaefer Zero Effort controls conversion

[stinger390]

Hi,

I have a 1990 31 Fountain CC with twin 1997 Merc 250 EFI's. The boat is currently set up with the Quicksilver single lever top mounted controls. I have purchased a used set of Zero Effort controls to convert to. The controls have the neutral safe switches, and a SINGLE trim switch in the port throttle handle.

First, I would like 2 independent switches to control each engine trim separately instead of together, as there are no other trim switches for the engines in the panel like there are on a go fast boat. Is there a kit for mounting a switch with separate engine trim controls to the Kiekhaefer controls?

What other items should I need, and/or what other things do I need to pay attention to to make this conversion? I did it a few years ago on my go fast boat, but there was no trim setup in the handle or neutral switches, so it was pretty easy.

Thanks for any insight anyone can provide into this project.

[99fxst99]

Are they are true Merc Zero Effort, not Livorsi or Gaffrig? I know Livorsi makes switches either single or dual. Mercury probably has the same thing, if not the Livorsi switches may fit (talking in-handle switches, there are also lever mounted switchesthat will work). Call Livorsi, they have always been very helpful to me.

[Enforcer30]

I have the zero effort controls on my boat w/ twin omc 300s. As far as controling trim on your motor individually (it sucks). At speed you want the engines to trim in unison. Use the switch on the controls to run trim on both engines. Then put a extra set of switches on your dash to run them independent of eachother. As far as cables go use Teleflex 33c's and just get the appropriate ends to match the controls and the engines.

[stinger390]

They are true Merc Zero Effort controls. I was looking at my Livorsi catalog last night and found switches that may work well as long as they fit the Kiekhaefer handles. I have considered the switches that clamp on ahead of the handle for independedt control and using the single switch already installed as primary control, but not sure I want to have a clamp on look. I like the clean looking handles. I also have considered dash switches for independedt control, but not sure I want to clutter up the panel any more either, the dual in handle switch seems easiest, and the switches are close enough together that having both engines trim together should not be much of an issue.

I imagine that the Zero Efforts and Quicksilver controls will have standardized color coded wireing, but I guess I'll find out when I go to install. Any tricks or tips on the trim and neutral wireing? Has anyone actually done this change from the Qsilver top mount single lever to ZE?

Thanks

[Enforcer30]

All you have to do is run your power wire that goes to your key through the neutral safty switch

[AirRide]

The Kiekhaefer/Mercury Racing controls have always only had one over-ride trim switch, thats it...no other optional Kiekhaefer switches available. Gaffrigs or Livorsi controls came out with dual switches a few years ago. You must install(easy to do) a separate small dual rocker switch trim panel on your console. Wire all the switches in series.

[stinger390]

I checked with Livorsi...the switches they have will not fit the Z.E. handles. The only two options seem to be a clamp on switch ahead of the handle, or dash mounted trim switches.

I'm not sure the cables I have are compatable either now. I have the black Merc cables without the threaded cable ends for length adjustment. Looks like I'll need to change the cables too. Starting to sound like a winter project since everything works now, and I'm anxious to get in the water.

[Enforcer30]

like I said the Teleflex 33c cables work great just get merc ends and Z E ends its a afternoon job at most a six pack will give you time to spare.

[AirRide]

like I said the Teleflex 33c cables work great just get merc ends and Z E ends its a afternoon job at most a six pack will give you time to spare.You mean the "Morse" 33-C red jacket cables.

[stinger390]

I rigged up some of the 4500 series twin controls with a single trim switch in the handle to do both engines, and it also incorporates individual trim switches ahead of the handles to control them separately if desired. Of course thay are not nearly as responsive as the ZE controls, and I may still change over the winter, but for now these are pretty good and should work well for the season.

Thanks

[Hottrucks]

You mean the "Morse" 33-C red jacket cables.


Morse was bought out by Telflex I thnk?? I just bought a set to use on my trim indicators they are also Blue now ???

Are you intrested in selling your old shifter?? if so could you post a pic of them..I'm having issues with mine......
thanx
Jeff