69 Merc. 65hp.......making it a keeper

[neebishis05]

I purchased a '69 Merc. 65hp. w/trim and tilt. I'd like this to be a keeper. It seems to run good. I'd like to do some preventive maintenance on it to assure its reliability. The first thing that comes to my mind is the ignition system. It has a distributor..at least it looks like one to me. Its driven by a belt. When do they need replacing? Is there any maintenance I should look into with the ignition. Is it battery powered? How about any other areas that I should be looking at?... Thanks much Ken

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: 69 Merc. 65hp.......making it a keeper

You'll need to acquire a manual to check that stuff for sure. Like if it has points that get serviced.<br /><br />On many of these the only thing that gets changed out is the spark plugs. A distributor cap might cost over $200 if it's available and on some the rotor is $250+ and breaks if you try to remove it.<br /><br />You also want to run a compression check on it just to "know" the condition of the pistons, rings, and cylinders. It will give you a baseline to fall back on should it start developing issues.<br /><br />Learn how to do a water pump and gear oil change.

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: 69 Merc. 65hp.......making it a keeper

Also, de-crb it with Mercury power-tune. Twice and then once a year.<br /><br /><br />Ignition is battery driven CDI. Grease the dist. grease nipples and you can clean the inside of the cap and replace the little carbon brush.<br /><br />-W

 

[neebishis05]

Re: 69 Merc. 65hp.......making it a keeper

Yepblaze and Clams Canino.....thanks guys for the come back!! I have a manual coming. Clams, I will do the decarb this spring when I can get it in the water. As to cleaning the inside of the cap...does one have to remove the distributor as a unit to get the cap off? I see little bend over tabs on the bolt heads....looks like a difficult job to loosen. Also, if it has to come out, where do I break it....maybe at the small round flange w/four small bolts (5/16'')securing it? Thanks again! <br /> Ken