TOPIC: 650 in salt

I am planing to move to south Fla when I retire what can I do to
make my 650 survive in salt water or blackish water

Charles

dont leave it in the water and flush flush flush at home when finished with it keep it on a trailer.

some where I seen some chemical that you can flush it with

www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=37896&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=11151&storeNum=50366&subdeptNum=50396&classNum=50405
Is this the stuff you're talking about Charles? I have no idea if this stuff helps or not, seems kinda pricey! Of course if it helped save your motor from (internal) corrosion in the long run.......? Most of the good folks I know who boat on the "big water" just use Dave's advise and flush - flush - flush, RIGHT after taker her out of the water.

Prior to this stuff coming onto the market I would haul the boat home get things stowed away flush the motor on the hose for about 20 minutes and I never had any problem running my vintage merc or other motor in salt water. I'd use corrosion guard on the power heads (linkages and electric connections) and otherwise just keep them clean when I'd wash and rinse off the boat I would wash and rinse off the motor too.
Never had a problem living this way.

thinks that is what I am looking for
Charles

Your '65 Merc is really not going to be happy in salt, even if you flush it. Your motor has the old plated carbon steel shafts that WILL rust. They even rust in freshwater. Salt just makes it happen quicker. Flushing on muffs doesn't do a 100% job of removing the salt. Only way to get it all out is to run it in freshwater. The driveshaft under the waterpump is particularly vulnerably as water will settle there after running. The shaft rusts at the seal, water gets in the unit, and before long the unit is toast. Stainless speedi-sleeves can help with the seal area if the shaft is pitted.

Shift rods (no protective plating) are also very vulnerable and I've replaced a few over the years that have simply rotted out.

Use Nev-R-Seize on all bolts, studs, etc. when servicing the motor. Make sure the driveshaft splines are well greased and the o-ring is in good shape at the top of the shaft.

Meticulous care is the key...