Worth rebuilding?

[geckogeek]

Do you think it is worth rebuilding a 65-67 Merc 650 4cyl? It didn't cost me anything, but I don't want to sink a huge amount of cash and time into it either.
Is there a kit I could order with rings, gaskets and bearings?(Bearings are dinked).

Thanks

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Worth rebuilding?

It would be better to rebuild that than to rebuild one of the newer 3-cylinder pieces of crap that replaced it. Is your crank OK? That would be a "decider". Most bearings ride on the crank. If the bearings are bad, the crank probably is too.

 

[geckogeek]

Re: Worth rebuilding?

I have not opened it up....but would "assume" the crank is ok.....runs ok out of the water but kinda noisy in the top end. Just wondering if many people rebuild them or sink a few grand into a newer motor?

 

[OldMercsRule]

Re: Worth rebuilding?

I had a 1967 650 that got noisy, I had to replace the flywheel and the top bearing and it gave me two more seasons before a wrist pin died. The 1967 had a trigger fired ignition that was very dependable like the late 1960s and most of the 1970s inlines had prior to non distributer models comming on. The earlier years (1966 I think) had point fired or conventional (1965 and earlier I think) which was a pain for dependability, IMHO. The trigger fired Thunderbolt Ignition 4 cylinder was a great motor (two bolts of lightning buy the emblem on the face plate). You can also tell by looking under the distributer cap, or using the serial number. That is where I would draw the line on rebuild. JR

 

[geckogeek]

Re: Worth rebuilding?

I called a local marine shop today....they want $2000 CAD to rebuild it......I just don't have time. Bit much I think

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: Worth rebuilding?

The old 650 4 cyl are great motors. Wherebouts are you located? Replacement parts are getting hard to come by.

 

[geckogeek]

Re: Worth rebuilding?

St. Thomas

I think I'll forget about the 650.....I called on a boat in the market and it turns out it was a guy on my street. The boat is a late 60s ski boat....but it came with a 40hp Evindrude and a Merc 500....both which run with great compression.....and hardly any noticable play in the flywheel.....I though it was a good deal for $700.....sell the boat and trailer with the weaker motor and get my money back.

 

[daveswaves]

Re: Worth rebuilding?

Don't throw it out, I only live an hour away and would be glad to come and clean up your garage for you, well merc parts anyway, the rest is up to you.

 

[geckogeek]

Re: Worth rebuilding?

Sorry guys, I sold it with the ski-boat........the guy is going to rebuild it I guess....must have more time than I do....he's a farmer that wants it to retrieve geese from the river (hunting).