Merc 650 1974 Lower crank seal symptom/how to tell if bad Fazt, Laddies, Chine, et

jbjennings

Captain
Joined
Jul 18, 2007
Messages
3,903
Guys,
I've had this old 650 for a while now. When I first had it, I had intermittent problems with detonation chewing on pistons. At the advice of Faztbullet, I retarded the timing some and it since has given good service, but I've never been able to get a good steady idle. It's always seeming to lean when cold, and too rich when warm, etc.
I decided to pull the powerhead and change the lower crank seals today and clean the carbs, and reset the timing to factory specs and see how she ran then.
Question: How do you tell if the lower crank seals are bad? I noticed a big drop of quicksilver (green) oil on the seal retainer before I installed a puller and removed it. It appeared to be leaking clean 2-stroke oil. I didn't turn the flywheel and look for bubbles since it's so heavy and I've already got new seals and going to change them anyway.

Question #2: Is it more likely that a leaky crank seal or dirty high speed jets on the carbs are causing the detonation? I'm almost positive I have retarded the timing too much because the motor is sluggish now---just doesn't have as much power lately. I haven't had any problems with detonation in many tanks of gas.

Anyway, I'm changing the seals and rebuilding the carbs and will check back in with results. I would feel better if you guys thought the quicksilver 2-stroke oil on the crank seal retainer piece was a dead giveaway to a leak.
I hope you guys are doing well. I haven't posted on the merc forum in a while.
Thanks again,
JBJ
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,074
Re: Merc 650 1974 Lower crank seal symptom/how to tell if bad Fazt, Laddies, Chine

A really clean lower spark plug is the sign of bad lower crank seals.
 

GA_Boater

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
49,038
Re: Merc 650 1974 Lower crank seal symptom/how to tell if bad Fazt, Laddies, Chine

Since this is an informational thread rather than a fix-it thread, would a clean top plug be a sign of upper crank seal going bad? I don't have that problem, but the seals in mine are from 1966 when new, so curious. Thanks.
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,074
Re: Merc 650 1974 Lower crank seal symptom/how to tell if bad Fazt, Laddies, Chine

There is no water behind upper crank seals, only air, so no. Upper spark plugs will be clean from waterleaking from exhaust cover, baffle or inner exhaust cover.
 

GA_Boater

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
49,038
Re: Merc 650 1974 Lower crank seal symptom/how to tell if bad Fazt, Laddies, Chine

Thanks, Chris. Perfect reason for the clean lower plug. And for clean upper plugs, too.
 
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