1972 Merc 650

[scottyisback44]

hi all. I just bought at a 1972 Glastron with a Merc 650 on it. Started up fine, Its winter here so the guy only fired it up and didnt leave it running. the boat has a new impeller last year, the starter has been rebuilt, and has new fuel lines. What can I expect as far as issues with the motor and boat. I didnt pay much for either and of course I would have liked to hear it run a little longer but during the snowstorm we were in I figured Id gamble a bit.. The motor looked very clean for a 1972 as did the boat.. I paid 750. Did I overpay???

 

[mnRIVERrat]

Re: 1972 Merc 650

Where I'm from when buying a fiberglass boat of that age its generally considered that you buy motor and trailer, and get boat for free. Does the motor have tilt n trim? Did you check the lower unit oil? Or check if it shifts into F and R well? A strong running 3 cyl with tilt n trim in great shape is worth 5 or 6 hundred tops. A good trailer is worth 250-450 depending on condition so not necessarily overpaid. If you're going to have a problem with this motor, it will almost certainly be one of two things. 1, all the older mercs like that had a tendency for very bad corrosion in all the engine wiring causing many electrical parts to need to be replaced. 2, because of the 3 cyl and 2 carb design, it is very common for the #1 cyl to overheat if running lean at all. Also fairly common for the water jackets to leak around cylinders. I currently have 2 of these motors in my basement torn apart right now, so if you need any parts or anything let me know. Best of luck

 

[jbjennings]

Re: 1972 Merc 650

riverrat's post was spot-on....
I would add that you should check the impeller, clean the carbs as suggested above, and hope your water jackets aren't cracked. Also check all the wiring which was also suggested and even if it looks good, clean all the connections.

If the transom and floor are good on your boat, and the motor checks out and runs good----you didn't overpay. IF it's all junk, yes, you way overpaid.
:redface:JBJ