1964 Merc 650 only cold starts in Forward gear

[LunaStarcraftJupiter]

Hi All, I've searched through here and can't seem to find anything on this particular topic so I've created a new profile and am starting this new thread. I have a new-to-me 1964 Starcraft Jupiter with a 1964 Mercruiser 650 65HP outboard motor. I have a bit of trouble cold starting it though I always eventually manage. It seems to mainly only want to cold start while in forward gear. Once it warms up I don't really have any problems starting normally. This is my first season with the boat so I haven't delved in to very much maintenance though I plan to this winter along with a larger restoration of the boat. I've also noticed that when I prime the gas with the pump that the bulb never gets as solid as the one on my parents pontoon when pumping it. I've also noticed gas in the water as I'm priming the bulb. Any advice appreciated!

To summarize:

1) Motor only cold starts in forward gear
2) Priming bulb not stiffening up as much as I've noticed with other bulbs
3) gas in the water when priming

oh and one more thing

4) Sometimes when I turn the key the starter seems to just "whirrrrrr" but it seems the engine isn't turning over. This happens intermittently

Thanks for the help!.

 

[racerone]

Steps to take.-----Install fuel pump repair kits.----Remove bottom half of the distributor / magneto.----Clean and set breaker points to 0.010".-----Clean carburetors.------Have battery checked / load tested.---All simple work that you need to learn.---Likely very few shops that will take on working on old motor like that.

 

[LunaStarcraftJupiter]

Great thank you! I will do all these things. Yes I definitely intend to do all the work myself.

 

[1960 Starflite]

I have the same engine. "Starting in forward" does your control have a warm up lever? These old engines are cold blooded and need to warm up in neutral.

Also, I've found it much easier to remove the Mag to clean/set the points. Remove the spark plug wires at the plugs. Remove the 4 small bolts at Mag, lower it down and out. You can't get it out of time, there is a blind spline. Be very careful with the cap and rotor. These parts are hard to find and expensive.

 

[LunaStarcraftJupiter]

Thanks! It does have a warm up lever. I have yet to get into the engine. But basically for the second half of the season I could only start the motor in Forward gear when it was cold. Maybe a fuel delivery issue. I'm gong to do all of the things suggested here and see if that helps.

 

[racerone]

The bottom of the magneto comes off as stated in post as per post #2 .-----Nothing to it.