1967 Mercury 65HP - Good motor or ???

[jclute]

I have the opportunity to purchase a '67 Merc 65 for a reasonable price that has good compression on all 4 and is visibly in great shape. My boat is a '67/'68 14' Glastron Jetflite so this motor would fit just fine.<br />Question is - what are the opinions of this motor overall?<br />Are there any known issues or ???<br />Currently I have a '77 Evinrude 70 that the Merc would replace. Is this a wise change?<br /><br />Thanks all in advance, -jc

 

[JB]

Re: 1967 Mercury 65HP - Good motor or ???

Hi, John.<br /><br />That was a very good engine 36 years ago.<br /><br />Whether it is a good engine now depends entirely on its history.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[jclute]

Re: 1967 Mercury 65HP - Good motor or ???

Thanks JB.<br /><br />I was hoping to get more opinions on this motor. I realize it is old but I really haven't seen too many improvements excepting for EFI or if you count 4 stroke technology. Both are way too expensive for me and I would also like to keep the boat/motor/trailer around the same era.<br />So, based upon the motors of that era, not compared to newer motors, what information or experiences with the 65 HP Merc 4 cylinders can anyone offer?<br /><br />Thanks again.<br />Just love this site for all the information and humour!<br />-jc

 

[NMplayer]

Re: 1967 Mercury 65HP - Good motor or ???

I have a 1970 50 hp merc. I love the engine. The four cylinders seem to me to make them run smoother and troll better than their 2-3cyl counterparts. The only thing I can advise you on it is to keep the impeller in good shape. Never even attempt to crank the motor without water and replace the impeller every couple of years. These motors like impellers that are in good shape.

 

[MartyTn]

Re: 1967 Mercury 65HP - Good motor or ???

Hi John,<br /><br />There is a lot of knowledge on the older mercs on John's Old Merc Site at:<br /> http://www.pfs-ware.com/kwast/ <br /><br />There was a thread there recently that you might be interested in, and that thread was at:<br /> http://www.pfs-ware.com/kwast/mercboard/messages/7284.htm <br /><br />You might want to ask for opinions on that board as well. Good luck, Marty.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: 1967 Mercury 65HP - Good motor or ???

I'm with NMplayer. The Merc straight 4's are very reliable if you maintain them right. How yours will perform will depend on past owners and their maintenance. If the compression checks out okay and the wires under the cowls are flexible, not dry and brittle, you probably have a pretty good outboard there. I have a 74 Merc 500 that I like, but would prefer an older one about the same year as your 650. Why? I like the old style magneto ignitions. But that's just me. Keep it, tune it, run it and then decide if its a keeper.

 

[jclute]

Re: 1967 Mercury 65HP - Good motor or ???

Thanks everyone.<br /><br />The only reason I would replace my 'Rude is for the period motor. I may decide to forget about matching the motor year to my boat. What is the opinions of the '77 Evinrude 70HP?<br /><br />Again, thanks!<br />-jc

 

[DJ]

Re: 1967 Mercury 65HP - Good motor or ???

John,<br /><br />THe 650 Merc. is a good engine. Follow the others above advice.<br /><br />The 3-cyl. John/Rudes were/are also excellent.

 

[RICKRICK1]

Re: 1967 Mercury 65HP - Good motor or ???

John Clute-- I run a 67 65hp 4cyl, They are good motors. New impellar and plugs every year and haven't had a problem. They are rather fuel hungry thou.

 

[outonbizniz]

Re: 1967 Mercury 65HP - Good motor or ???

JOHN!! I have the same boat!!! Don't know about the merc but I have old Evinrude and Johnson outboards. Can you post a pic of your Jetflite. Here's a link to a site with pics of mine.<br /> Todd's Jetflite.

 

[jclute]

Re: 1967 Mercury 65HP - Good motor or ???

Hey outonbizniz, not a problem. I will take some pictures and post on my website. Check back and I'll post the link later tomorrow.<br />I have already been to your site and seen all the work you have done. It sure is starting to look good. I will have to do a lot of what you are doing. I basically got the boat for free but it will need a new transom and the floor replaced. The previous owner also cut out a large hole in top deck to access storage in the bow.<br />I am hoping to see your boat when it is finished. Any idea when that will be?<br />-jc

 

[jclute]

Re: 1967 Mercury 65HP - Good motor or ???

Hey outonbizniz here is a link to my website with pictures of my Glastron Jetflite.<br /><br /> http://www.johnclute.com <br /><br />I'll also post my URL at http://www.classicglastron.com. <br /><br />-jc

 

[outonbizniz]

Re: 1967 Mercury 65HP - Good motor or ???

John,<br /><br />As soon as it warms up here in Maine I will be completing the hull and topside work and painting. Email me at damren@wiscasset.net so that we can keep contact in case of questions. BTW...I am jealous!!! YOU HAVE WINDSHIELDS!!!<br /><br />Is that a 65HP or a 40HP?