1965 Merc 650 electrical

Breadbug

Cadet
Joined
Jan 11, 2013
Messages
15
Newbie here. I used to work on my VW bug and Rambler all the time. That was 45 years ago. I just bought a little Dorsett and have purchased 3 motors to tinker on to get back in practice and maybe (hopefully) get the boat on the water. I have a 1961 Lark3 and a 1965 Merc 650 that I'd like to start with.

The Merc was purchased for $200. The seller told me he had had the lower end rebuilt and added a new water pump and impeller and had the motor running. He was showing it off to a friend. The next day it wouldn't start. He guessed it was electrical and put the motor away for another day. That was a year ago. Now I have his project.

So, where to start? It's been so long that I'm am totally like a kid with this. Any ideas as to what might have happened to cause the "no start"? I don't mind throwing some money at this motor since I got it for so cheap and am wanting to "re-learn" my way around small motors again. Since I own 2 boats I should get back in the swing. Ed
 

RCO

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jun 15, 2016
Messages
350
That has a magneto ignition, pretty easy to troubleshoot. The magneto is self contained. First make sure the timing belt is turning the mag over. If it is, take it apart, check the coil resistance and clean the points. Be careful not to break the cap or rotor, they are spendy.
 
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