Changing from ignition driver to magneto on 65 horse

[busboy]

I have a 1968 model 650 mercury that I want to "backdate" to a magneto, from the ignition driver setup that is on it now. If I am reading the factory manual correctly I will need to do the following:<br /><br />Get a magneto and magneto adaptor from an earlier model 650 or 500.<br /><br />The Salmon colored wire coming from the E terminal of the ignition switch and the Brown wire coming from the mercury switch will be relocated to the lug on the mag that grounds out the mag to kill the motor.<br /><br />I will no longer need the switch box or the coil, since the mag is self-energizing.<br /><br />Does this sound right to you guys? Also what could I expect to have to pay for a used magneto and adaptor? Is there a market for the now unused coil and switchbox? Thanks for any help you could give. Mike

 

[RICKRICK1]

Re: Changing from ignition driver to magneto on 65 horse

Sounds about right. Not sure of price but they do come up on e-bay (35 to 150 US) every now and then. Maghousing is not avilable from mercury, cap and rotor are pretty expensive also, best bet is to get an assembly. Also you will have to change type of Tachometer if you have one. Not sure but you might have to change flywheels and belts

 

[busboy]

Re: Changing from ignition driver to magneto on 65 horse

Hmmm, I'm not clear on the why of the flywheel and belts. Can you explain further? Thanks

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Changing from ignition driver to magneto on 65 horse

Different models, different engineering. You'll have to find a donor (used motor) and compare under the hood. Might be easier to find a older 50 or 65 hp mag motor with good powerhead that will mate to your lower unit and leg. Then you have a complete set up of both flavors...mag driven and ignition driven. They come up on ebay quite frequently.

 

[dodl]

Re: Changing from ignition driver to magneto on 65 horse

Hello,<br /><br />busboy, did you finally try it? And did it work? <br /><br />I also would like to go from a Type II on my '72 Merc500 to a Type I with Magneto. My switchbox is not working and the ignition coil is missing. For the price of these, i could also get the complete Magneto assembly...<br /><br />thanks<br />martin