Recent content by USAFitz

  1. USAFitz

    Lower unit won't budge

    Hey all. Thanks for all the advice so far. I've run into another problem (surprise) that I was hoping you could help me with. My first issue was with the control box not shifting out of neutral. That has since been fixed with new parts. Now, my forward/reverse won't engage. Luckily, it's pretty...
  2. USAFitz

    '71 Mercury 650 - won't go into gear

    Hey all. Don't know if you've followed what i've been up to but i basically had a control box issue where the engine would always slide back into neutral. Here's the link if you're interested... But i have a seperate problem i was hoping you could help me with...
  3. USAFitz

    1971 Mercury 650 - Controls issue

    Hey everyone. It's been a while but it's nice to be back. The great thing is that she is sounding great! Purrs like a kitten. Unfortunately, i am having some problems with the controls. When i shift to forward or reverse gear, the cam inside of the control box pops out of place. Interestingly...
  4. USAFitz

    Flywheel

    '71 Mercury 650 anyone ever had their flywheel come loose? my engine started to clank, so of corse i got very worried. so i let a friend look at it and we discovered that the welds on top of the flywheel were all gone. he said he didn't think that there were suppsed to be any welds on there...
  5. USAFitz

    Fuel problem, need advice

    '71 Merc 650 (4cyl) Hello all, I have a quick question that I can't find the answer to with search. I have replaced all gaskets and diaphragms with carb and fuel pump kits as well as run the wonderful Seafoam product through the engine using the procedures in the FAQs. Timing is good. So...
  6. USAFitz

    Lake Ponchatrain, LA -- any tips?

    I'm going to be heading down to Louisiana later this month and want to do some fishing in Lake Ponchatrain but don't really know the best way to fish it. Anyone been down there and have any tips I can use? Thanks again.
  7. USAFitz

    Zinc anodes - do they work / how to use them?

    I'm going to be heading down to Corpus Christi for the summer. I have only had my boat in fresh water so I'm doing everything I can to protect it while I'm down there. I've searched the forum and gotten everyone's suggestions for saltwater, except I still have a question about something I've...
  8. USAFitz

    Anyone painted their OB with Mercury black?

    I've just painted my '71 650 with a coat of phantom black Mercury paint, and put a Mercury clear coat over it. I was curious if anyone has had any experience with this. How well does it last? How long do I wait before doing anything with it? I did it mainly because I'll be in saltwater for...
  9. USAFitz

    Quick question... dryshifting reverse?

    I just have a really quick question that I couldn't find an answer to on here. What happens when you dry shift into reverse and why is it bad? Thanks again.
  10. USAFitz

    Timing -- oops I think

    '71 Mercury 650 sn:3075151 I've read all the threads I could find on timing, including the FAQ, yet I still have a plethora of questions. First of all, I think I may have screwed up. I am replacing the timing belt so I took off the fly wheel and distributor pulley cap. Now neither are in the...
  11. USAFitz

    Why hold the choke while starting?

    1970 Mercury 650 I have read on the forum about a bunch of people who depress the choke button for about three key turns before they let it go and start the engine. Can anyone tell me what that does? My engine often seems like it's flooded and won't start. The starter turns the flywheel, but...
  12. USAFitz

    Is carb cleaner bad for the engine?

    I am rebuilding the carb this week on my 65hp '71. I read on some other posts that spraying starter fluid in there is bad because it takes away all of the oil. Is it the same case for a can of carb cleaner? Thanks again.
  13. USAFitz

    Shifting Problems I think... first timer

    All, first of all i just wanted to say that this is a great forum. I very much enjoy reading posts every day and I've by far learned more from here than any other resourse! Thanks to all. my problem: I just got my boat with a 1971 65hp Merc and I didn't know how the prior owner had treated...
  14. USAFitz

    Lakes in Little Rock AR?

    Hello all, I'm new to the forum... well, to boating in general. I just purchased my first bass boat so I'm ready to do something other than fishing along the banks. Does anyone know of any good Bass fishing lakes around Little Rock AR where I can try out my new boat? Thanks for the input!
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