Hydraulic Steering Self-Bleeding Kit from Buckshot Racing 77 Instructions for SeaStar and Like-Kind Steering Systems The Hydraulic Steering Self-Bleeding Kit from Buckshot Racing 77  is designed for bleeding SeaStar  and like-kind front-cylinder hydraulic steering systems (such as Pro Steering, and UFlex). This bleed kit system enables single-operator bleeding  without the use of pressure-fill equipment, helping to reduce the risk of seal damage at the helm or cylinder. Kit Components Brass steering helm adapter fitting Steering cylinder bridge tube Fill tube Fluid bottle connector with snap-fit to helm adapter Instructions for Use 1. System Preparation Inspect all steering system components, including hoses and fittings, for wear or damage. Center the outboard motor or rudder. Secure the vessel to prevent movement during the bleeding process. 2. Connecting the Bleed Kit Attach the bridge tube  to both bleed fittings  on the steering cylinder. This creates a closed loop that allows fluid to circulate through both sides of the cylinder. Remove the fill plug from the helm pump. Install the brass helm adapter  into the fill port and connect the fill tube . Attach the fluid bottle connector  to a container of approved hydraulic steering fluid. Position the bottle above the helm  for gravity feed. 3. Bleeding Procedure Turn the steering wheel fully clockwise . This allows fluid to move through the system, displacing air into the bridge tube. Turn the wheel fully counterclockwise  to reverse the fluid flow. Repeat this cycling process several times. Monitor the bridge tube for air bubbles . Continue until no bubbles are visible. Maintain the fluid bottle at an elevated level throughout the process to ensure consistent fluid feed and to prevent air from re-entering the helm. 4. Final Steps and System Check Close both bleed fittings once the system is confirmed free of air. Disconnect the bridge tube and fill tube. Reinstall the helm’s fill plug and tighten securely. Turn the wheel fully in both directions to confirm proper system function. Inspect all connections for leaks. Additional Notes The Hydraulic Steering Self-Bleeding Kit from Buckshot Racing 77 is compatible with SeaStar and other front-cylinder hydraulic systems. It supports a range of high-output systems, including Buckshot Racing 77 350 HP and 700 HP steering setups. This kit is intended for use with gravity feed only. External pressurization is not recommended. Download PDF Instructions free: Sheet Hydraulic Steering Self-Bleeding Kit:

Quincy Welding: O. F. Christner’s Legacy and the Evolution of Two-Stroke Outboard Racing In the specialized and fiercely competitive world of outboard racing , few names carry the historical weight and technical reverence of Quincy Welding , the trailblazing shop founded by O. F. (Chris) Christner . What began as a small-town welding and machine shop in Quincy, Illinois, would become one of the most influential forces in the 2-stroke outboard development  history, particularly within the high-stakes arenas of professional and modified outboard racing . From the 1940s through the 1980s, Quincy Welding set new standards in performance, reliability, and mechanical innovation, helping Mercury outboards not only catch up to but surpass industry giants like Johnson  and Evinrude , while also challenging elite European contenders such as Konig . O. F. Christner was born near Mendon, Illinois, and began demonstrating mechanical aptitude at a young age, often repairing farm machinery for his family. By his teenage years, he had become a skilled auto mechanic and later added welding and machining to his resume. His passion for performance engineering was ignited in the early 1940s when he began experimenting with old two-stroke fishing motors . One of his early triumphs was modifying a 7.5 hp Mercury outboard motor , guided with a tiller handle, to reach a top speed of 32 miles per hour—an impressive feat at the time that hinted at Christner’s potential as one of the most gifted 2-stroke tuners  of his generation. In 1948, Christner opened Quincy Welding & Radiator , and after attending a Chicago boat show with his son David, he crossed paths with Carl Kiekhaefer , the founder of Mercury Outboards. After a conversation that led Christner to drop Neptune motors and commit fully to Mercury, he became an official dealer. However, he didn’t just sell Mercury outboards—he reinvented them through meticulous 2-stroke tuning and modification , gradually transforming the brand’s stock engines into race-winning machines. His pioneering work in 2-stroke outboard modifications turned Mercury’s early fishing motors into competitive racing engines that could challenge and beat the top performers from Johnson and Evinrude. The foundation of Quincy’s technical legacy began with the creation of what became known as the Quincy Modified Mercurys , or Quincy Mods . Christner’s approach to 2-stroke engine tuning  was methodical and performance-focused. He modified the Mercury powerheads to run on alcohol and nitromethane, enabling higher compression ratios and greater thermal efficiency. Intake and exhaust porting were reshaped to increase volumetric efficiency and improve gas flow. He introduced cylinder head pads—metallic inserts welded into combustion chambers—to change compression ratios and optimize burn characteristics. He reengineered carburetors for better fuel delivery and developed tuned exhaust stacks that improved scavenging and widened the power band. These modifications laid the groundwork for modern 2-stroke tuning , which continues to be used by enthusiasts and motor builders today. As Quincy Welding’s reputation grew in 2-stroke outboard development , so did its racing success. The shop became the epicenter of a thriving race team that included Christner’s sons, sons-in-law, and a host of talented drivers. Throughout the 1950s, Quincy engines racked up championships in the Modified Outboard Racing  classes, competing successfully against the dominant Evinrude  and Johnson  motors of the era. By offering both complete race motors and a range of custom hardware—including throttle systems, props, life jackets, and ignition gear—Quincy Welding positioned itself not just as an engine builder but as a full-service performance shop dedicated to 2-stroke outboard racing technology . However, by the mid-1950s, a formidable competitor emerged from Europe. Dieter Konig , a German engineer, began importing his lightweight, high-revving race motors into the U.S. racing scene. Konig engines used advanced features such as megaphone exhausts and loop-charged scavenging, presenting a serious challenge to Quincy’s Mercury-based 2-stroke outboards . But O. F. Christner was never one to back down from innovation. He responded by designing and implementing his open megaphone exhaust systems on the Quincy-modified Mercury engines. This enhancement led to a new generation of performance motors dubbed the Quincy Mercs , which continued to hold their own against Konig and other rising competitors. The true breakthrough, however, came in 1963 with the introduction of the Quincy Looper —a design that represented a seismic shift in 2-stroke outboard engine development . Prior Mercury engines, including the Mods, relied on deflector pistons for scavenging. The Looper replaced this with a loop-charged scavenging system , allowing the use of flat-top pistons and producing a far more efficient and powerful combustion cycle. In this configuration, fresh air-fuel mixture entered the combustion chamber and was directed across and around the piston crown in a looping path, significantly improving cylinder filling and reducing fuel loss through the exhaust port. With dual exhaust stacks exiting both sides of the cylinder block , the Looper had both aesthetic and functional appeal, quickly becoming one of the most iconic engines in modified outboard racing history . The performance gains were immediate. D Hydro class boats, which had previously topped out near 75 mph, suddenly found themselves running nearly 30 mph faster with a Quincy Looper on the transom. These engines were so dominant that they redefined what was possible with 2-stroke outboard powerplants , becoming a benchmark not only in the United States but globally. From 1963 to the early 1970s, the Quincy Loopers  helped establish total dominance in alky-fueled classes. Racers like Jerry Waldman , David Christner , Earl Hull , and Jim Schoch  brought home countless national titles, solidifying Quincy Welding’s role as one of the most important contributors to 2-stroke performance tuning  in the racing world. Waldman’s unmatched achievement of winning five national championships in one year—all with Quincy engines—stands as a high-water mark for any outboard racer. In 1969, O. F. Christner’s contributions caught the attention of Mercury once again, and he was brought on to work at the company’s secretive Lake X testing facility  in Florida. There, he applied his knowledge of 2-stroke tuning  and experimental development to help Mercury evaluate endurance engines and prototype powerheads. Even as he worked behind closed doors for Mercury, Christner remained deeply engaged in the evolution of 2-stroke outboard modifications . Upon returning to Quincy in 1975, Christner—working alongside his youngest son, Paul—designed the Quincy Z Looper , a next-generation racing motor built to compete in a rapidly changing environment. The Z Looper incorporated more advanced scavenging strategies and port timing refinements, but initial reliability challenges kept it from immediate success. That changed in 1977, when Jeff Kugler , using a Z engine in his first professional race, won the national title in M Hydro at Alexandria, Louisiana. Soon, Z Loopers were once again setting and resetting speed records, especially in the 125, 250, and 350 Runabout classes. In 1984, O. F. Christner retired, and Quincy Welding officially closed its doors. The company’s racing operations were taken over by Jack Kugler  and Larry Latta , while Christner moved to Florida. Yet, even in retirement, his passion for innovation endured. He developed a groundbreaking 2-cycle engine that required no oil in the fuel mixture , a concept so far ahead of its time that it was patented in 1999, when Christner was 87 years old. In 1991, O. F. Christner was inducted into the APBA Honor Squadron , a tribute to his monumental contributions to professional and modified 2-stroke outboard racing . The citation acknowledged that his modified Mercury-based engines had powered countless competitors into the sport and set enduring records in speed and reliability. His legacy lives on through the vintage racing community, where restored Quincy Mods, Quincy Mercs, and Quincy Loopers continue to compete in exhibitions and historic races. O. F. Christner passed away in 2003, marking the close of one of the most impactful careers in 2-stroke engine development  history. His wife Vera, who created the memorable “Mr. Quincy” advertising character, passed in 2008. Together, they built a family-run company that punched far above its weight, delivering innovation that pushed the entire outboard racing industry forward. Quincy Welding was more than a business—it was a proving ground for American ingenuity, a place where 2-stroke outboard modifications  turned fishing motors into race champions. Through hands-on experimentation, deep mechanical insight, and fearless innovation, O. F. Christner changed the trajectory of 2-stroke outboard tuning  forever, leaving behind a legacy that continues to ripple through the waters of racing history.

Iron Fist: The Lives of Carl Kiekhaefer  by Jeffrey L. Rodengen tells the story of Carl Kiekhaefer, the visionary founder of Mercury Marine. His relentless drive transformed a failing outboard company into a global leader, revolutionizing marine propulsion and high-performance engineering. Known as "The Iron Fist," Kiekhaefer demanded excellence and perfection, often at great personal and professional cost. Through innovation and obsession with racing, Kiekhaefer advanced outboard technology, creating durable, lightweight engines that set industry standards. His passion for competition helped Mercury dominate racing circuits, cementing its reputation for performance. Beyond marine applications, his engineering brilliance extended to military and industrial fields, showcasing his versatility. Kiekhaefer’s life offers lessons on leadership, vision, and the price of perfection. Despite his challenges, his legacy remains a blueprint for pushing limits and achieving greatness. Here are the top 10 facts we can learn about Carl Kiekhaefer from the book: 1. Obsessive Perfectionism Carl Kiekhaefer was known for his relentless pursuit of perfection. He believed in building products that were not just good but flawless. This obsession extended to every aspect of his work, from product design to employee performance. 2. Transformative Vision for Outboards Kiekhaefer took over a failing outboard motor business in 1939 and turned it into one of the most innovative and successful marine companies in the world. He envisioned outboards not as basic utility motors but as powerful, reliable tools for performance and recreation. 3. Ruthless Leadership Style Kiekhaefer's leadership style earned him the nickname "The Iron Fist." He demanded loyalty, perfection, and absolute dedication from his employees. While this approach yielded exceptional results, it also created an intense and sometimes controversial work environment. 4. Mercury’s Dominance in Racing Under Kiekhaefer’s leadership, Mercury became synonymous with high-performance marine engines. His personal involvement in racing helped Mercury outboards dominate powerboat racing circuits, solidifying the brand’s reputation for speed and reliability. 5. Expansion Beyond Marine Engines Kiekhaefer's engineering brilliance extended beyond marine engines. Mercury Marine produced engines for military vehicles, chainsaws, and even air-cooled engines for various industrial applications during its early years. 6. Work Ethic Defined His Life Kiekhaefer was known for working incredibly long hours, often sleeping on-site to oversee production. His commitment to his company and products was unparalleled, and he expected the same from those around him. 7. Revolutionary Marketing Tactics Kiekhaefer pioneered unique marketing strategies that focused on reliability and performance. He famously subjected Mercury engines to grueling endurance tests, like running them 50,000 miles non-stop, to showcase their durability. 8. Emphasis on Engineering Innovation The book highlights Kiekhaefer’s engineering genius. He constantly pushed his team to develop groundbreaking technologies, including lightweight materials, better cooling systems, and improved fuel efficiency for outboards. 9. Difficult Personal Relationships Kiekhaefer's intensity and single-mindedness often strained his relationships. His demanding personality made it difficult for colleagues and even family members to connect with him on a personal level. 10. Legacy of Excellence Despite his controversial leadership style, Kiekhaefer’s dedication to innovation transformed the marine industry. His focus on reliability and performance continues to influence Mercury Marine’s ethos today, ensuring that his legacy endures. Carl Kiekhaefer’s story, as told in Iron Fist , reveals a complex, driven individual whose passion and brilliance changed an industry forever. The book serves as both an inspiring tale of achievement and a cautionary study of leadership under intense pressure.