merc 650 starter troubles

[mercuryblues]

I have a 1966 merc 650 outboard motor with electric start with magneto ignition.serial number of motor is 18976529.my solenoid and starter have been giving me troubles for awhile and they have given out so to speak now.when I turn my key i get nothing.if i hold a screwdriver to jump around solenoid the starter spins but does not go up to engage the flywheel.I have ordered a new solenoid and I have a 2nd starter that I am not sure if it works or not but a new one is 200 dollars so i am going to try the 2nd one first.I have a clymer manual that covers all merc motors 3.9-130 hsp for my years needed but it is not real clear on how to do it.the starter has 2 bolts in the top that I can't see how to get access to them without taking the plate that surrounds the motor off.I am new to boat mechanics and would appreciate someone trying to explain what exactly i need to do to get my starter off and a new one on.Thank you in advance for your time.

 

[SASS]

Re: merc 650 starter troubles

Not sure if I can help but I just recently replaced my started on a 1975 65hp. I don't know what you mean by the phase "plate surrounding the motor. My motor has a plate that fits on top of the flywheel. This comes off very easy it is on hinges. Do you me the cowling that covers the motor? If so that should come off easy as well. Make sure you disconnect the battery first. disconnect wires on the starter. The starter fits very tightly in its spot and takes some patience to put in. There should be two bolts at the top and two bolts at the bottom. I believe that these 4 bolts also hold together part of the frame to the motor. So becarful when you are putting them back to gether. You might also want to use a wrench in stead of a rachet a couple of the bolts are in tight spots.<br /><br />I hope this helps. Good luck.

 

[dvchristoff]

Re: merc 650 starter troubles

Be careful when you are messing around with screwdrivers jumping starters on outboards. The switchboxes are fragile and you can fry one pretty easy that way. Go buy a remote starter at NAPA there cheap. On my 1969 Merc 650 there was really no way that I could see to get at the bolts that attach the starter to the block without removing the powerhead. Before I went there, I tried cleaning and lubricating the gear and shaft on the top of the starter and it then worked fine. If that shaft gets dry and sticky the starter gear will not move up and engage the flywheeel. Best of luck.

 

[mercuryblues]

Re: merc 650 starter troubles

Just wanted to tell you guys that the new solenoid came in,I lubed the shaft on the starter and upt the solenoid on and it fired right up.Now whether or not it will keep working we will see.Thanks to all for the replies as always.