Home Forum Ask A Member 1966 mercury 650?

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  • #173058
    balbers
    Participant

      Hi all…..newbie here…..there is a 1966 Merc 650 for sale locally…..claims to run good, recently tuned….wants $500…..unfortunately for me a short shaft….need a long shaft…..thinking of buying anyway and finding a boat to match…..thoughts on this motor?…anything in particular to be careful of or look for
      Thanks!
      Bob

      #173059
      crosbyman
      Participant

        Canada Member - 2 Years

        test compression MANDATORY before buying …

        check for any mechanical flaws ( gears shifting ok ?)

        check all wiring for crumbling wires…. apparently a frequent event on older Mercs

        check gearcase oil for water contamination….but clean oil may also mean a recent refill

        hopefully fire it it up

        does it look loved and cared for or abused …..

        Joining AOMCI has priviledges 🙂

        #173062
        billw
        Participant

          US Member - 2 Years

          Crosbyman said it perfectly. All the things he mentioned are known to often be a problem on those motors. All I have to add is that it is actually pretty cool that it’s a short shaft, even though I understand that it won’t help you. Those are hard to come by, and people will want it, just for that. Don’t expect to get a zillion dollars for it; but they do have some demand, for older, smaller speed boats.

          I might add that in salt water, those motors will pretty much disintegrate like Alka Seltzer.

          Long live American manufacturing!

          • This reply was modified 5 years ago by billw.
          #173784
          76-j
          Participant

            One more thing, from personal experience. The female splines on end of the crankshaft, which mate with the driveshaft , are known to wear / rust away.
            Buyer beware as you won’t know until you use the this outboard, or upon swapping lower units, observe the condition of spline(s).
            *I recently Trashed a complete powerhead minus it’s carburetors, and fuel pumps.

            #173786
            outbdnut2
            Participant

              US Member

              Since it was “recently tuned” – ask who tuned it and if it was a shop, ask to see the receipt.

              Beware that the statements “Runs Good” or “Ran good last time out” are the biggest jokes in the hobby! If possible, ask to see it run – in a garbage can of water is OK, or with a garden hose and muff clamps on the water inlet.

              Ask if the wiring harness for the boat is included.
              Dave

              • This reply was modified 5 years ago by outbdnut2.
              #173957
              westwind
              Participant

                Canada Member

                It is 50+ yrs old, don’t expect it to have no issues. Part of the fun is sorting out the issues. Overall, a Merc 650 is a good motor.

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