Re: $650 for a good running 2001 9.9 mercury. yes/no?
Check the compression. Look for 100psi+ on all cylinders and less than 15 psi difference between the two.
Also run the motor in a large water drum, large enough to run it at full throttle in gear. Ideally test it on a boat in the water.
Motors can run great on water muffs but other issue can show up when run on a boat.
Take a large flathead screwdriver and unscrew the drain plug for the leg gear oil. Look for metal shavings stuck to the plug. Let a small amount of the gear oil run through your fingers and feel for metal particals.
After this test you must replace the rubber o-ring seals on the drain plug. A good idea to change the gear oil while you are at it.
If all is good then 650 is a good deal in my neck of the woods.
P.S. never run an outboard at full throttle on water muffs OR in neutral.
Cheers.
