TOPIC: re-power

Hey all,

I'm thinking about possibly re-powering my boat with something a little bigger. (my post in the JEGOS section goes into more detail). Anyways, I don't know much about mercs and have never owned one myself so I'm looking for some advice.

I came across this craigslist ad and am interested in going to look at the motor. flint.craigslist.org/boa/4816149385.html


Can you guys tell me anything I should look for? He claims that it is a 1989 but it looks much older to me (I could be wrong). Any tips or advice for me when going to look at it? the price seems good to me, but what do you all think?

Thanks!
Scott

You are correct, it DEFINITELY isnt a 1989, 69 maybe.

If it runs and has good compression, I'd say yes to buying it. It's OBO $400, so offer less....

That is a 1966 merc 650 short shaft. 65HP. the transom on your boat should be 15in not 20.

Thanks all,

I'm going to try to set up a time to go and look in the next couple weeks. Its a few hour drive so before I go, i'm going to ask for some more photos.

In regards to it being a short-shaft, that is the main reason I am so interested. I am having a heck of a time finding anything over 40hp that is a short shaft.

Will keep you all updated if I end up going to look.

-Scott-

good motor for your needs.

Get the serial# when you ask for more pix.

And a short shaft 650 isn't common here either.

Check the compression, and check the lower unit for water in the lube. 4 bills is not a bad price if it runs, but no more than that. Dave is correct, it is a 1966. Oh, and get rid of that damn aftermarket fin on the lower unit if you do buy it.

see below
doc

AND,...Once you have a '65 650 4 cyl short shaft motor:
You can lift the 650 powerhead and replace it with an inline-6 for more HP if needed.

There is also a '69-'72 800 4 cyl that can be used on the 650 shorty mid-housing & lower unit, but typically they use a different gear ratio of 2.31:1.
I think the 2.31:1 was also used on the 650ss, but I'm not sure.

The inline-6 Merc powerheads that will fit include:
'65 through '72 900, 950ss, 1000, 1000ss, 1100, 1100ss, the pre-'73 1150, the 1250ss, & the 1350. The '72 1400 will not fit.
Some of these beasts have (2) extra powerhead studs at the rear that will not have a place to go on the 650 mid-housing, but that is no big deal - just remove them from the powerhead and forget about 'em.
The only really important thing to remember when doing any of these powerhead swap-outs, is to be sure and use the exhaust extension plate (EEP) under the powerhead that matches the powerhead being installed.
The '65+ 650 4 cyl & the TIGER blocks (900, 950ss, 1000, 1000ss, 1100, 1100ss) all used the same EEP.
The 800 4 cyl can use the same EEP as the pre-'73 1150 & the 1350, but it is best to use the original 800 EEP without the exhaust divider.
I 'think' the 1250 might use the same EEP as the 1000ss, but I would need to compare the (2) before I can say one way or the other for sure. I have all the relative EEPs, and can check if this issue needs to be answered for someone.

I mention all this because you said you were having trouble finding more than 40hp in a shorty.
The 650 4 cyl Merc is a real sweetheart, and if it provides the range of horse power desired, you can't beat it.
doc