Need help identifying 1967 Merc 650 Thunderbolt

[imported_JimmyMac]

I purchased the parts list and repair manual (Seloc) for this beautiful outboard and am having trouble figuring out the model. Serial number is 2207052, it's a four cylinder 65 hp. My specific questions are:
1) Is this a long or short shaft model
2) How can I tell what ignition system it is (type I, II, III or IV?)
3) Once I know what ignition system it is, how can I determine if it will charge the starting battery while running?

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Need help identifying 1967 Merc 650 Thunderbolt

http://www.oldmercs.com/siteguide.html
Massive info

 

[OldMercsRule]

Re: Need help identifying 1967 Merc 650 Thunderbolt

I purchased the parts list and repair manual (Seloc) for this beautiful outboard and am having trouble figuring out the model. Serial number is 2207052, it's a four cylinder 65 hp. My specific questions are:
1) Is this a long or short shaft model
2) How can I tell what ignition system it is (type I, II, III or IV?)
3) Once I know what ignition system it is, how can I determine if it will charge the starting battery while running?

Reply #1 Measure from the inside of the motor bracket to the anti cavitation plate 15" + or - is a short shaft, 20" + or - is a long shaft. #2 It is probably the thunderbolt with surface gap plugs, (look at a spark plug). I had a 1967 650 and it had an ss by the thunderbolt emblem. The more important question is: is it point fired or a trigger fired dist, (you would rather the trigger which is also likely from that vintage). You can check the linc SCAATY gave you or take the distributer cap off and look. I will look at my 1969 1000, (which is home not here so it will be a day or two) and let you know about the wires out of the switch box, (if I remember correctly one wire to the dist is points and multiple is the trigger). A schematic from the linc SCAATY gave you will also tell you. #3 If your alternator is working it should charge the battery, (small amps), first thing to check is the rectifier if you aren't getting charging. Good luck, and wellcome to iboats. JR

 

[imported_JimmyMac]

Re: Need help identifying 1967 Merc 650 Thunderbolt

I purchased the parts list and repair manual (Seloc) for this beautiful outboard and am having trouble figuring out the model. Serial number is 2207052, it's a four cylinder 65 hp. My specific questions are:
1) Is this a long or short shaft model
2) How can I tell what ignition system it is (type I, II, III or IV?)
3) Once I know what ignition system it is, how can I determine if it will charge the starting battery while running?

 

[imported_JimmyMac]

Re: Need help identifying 1967 Merc 650 Thunderbolt

Thanks, Guys!

I will check out oldmercs.com and pull the distributor as soon as I get a chance. This is my fourth boat but first major project and I'm really excited about it. If I can figure out how to get a pic on the site, I'll do it under boat restoration. This is a terrific rescource.

 

[imported_JimmyMac]

Re: Need help identifying 1967 Merc 650 Thunderbolt

JR

I checked, it is a long shaft. The face plate has 2 lightning bolts under "Merc 650" that sort of look like the ss you described. I didn't have a chance to get into the distributor this weekend - apparently working around the house is more important than tinkering with the boat (honeydo)! The plugs are NGK BUHW-2, surface gap (no arm thing on ground).

It looks like there are multiple wires to the dist, though. I will have to wait a while to find out it it charges, I need to rebuild the lower unit and water pump. Also have to find a new throttle cable. Thanks again for the help!

 

[imported_JimmyMac]

Re: Need help identifying 1967 Merc 650 Thunderbolt

Picture's worth many words:

 

[OldMercsRule]

Re: Need help identifying 1967 Merc 650 Thunderbolt

Hey Jimmy Mac, I forgot to look at my 1000 switch box, sorry. The two lightning bolts are what mine had and it was "the kind" ya want. The surface gap plugs is a good indicator and multiple wires sounds like the trigger fired ignition that I had. They are the most dependable for that vintage engine. Mine was a short shaft but a 20" shaft is much more common for boats from the early 1970s on. Your powerhead looks just like mine did. Good luck. JR