69 Merc parts avail

[ROSCO1]

I have found a 1969 Merc 65hp, I am an OMC man as a rule but the motor is to clean to pass up, I think? Under the cowl it looks show room new just like the outside of the motor but under the hood is wheir I am concerened, the pug wires "4cyl" run to what looks like a dist cap up by the carbs, this throughs Me off. I am looking for coils and wires under the flywheel like OMC and it is different obviously. Is this a system I want to work on when it goes down? Was it a reliable system or a nightmare? can a guy get parts new? Thanks for the help in past days.

 

[skier]

Re: 69 Merc parts avail

ROSCO1, your right. This is a distributer and all Merc's used them until the mid - late 70's (More likely late 70's). My family had a 67 Merc 650 (65hp) and a 69 Merc 1250 (125hp). The 650 had points and the 1250 didn't. I don't think your has points. This system worked just fine. Ran the **** out of that 1250 from 1969 - 1993 when it sucked a reed valve. Never had to replace anything except plugs, impeller, and lower unit oil. It was still on the factory wires when it was torn apart for parts.<br /><br />I hope this helps put you at ease.<br /><br />Craig

 

[aeronutt29]

Re: 69 Merc parts avail

That engine is the baby brother to my motor. I have the Merc 1000 (100 HP) also from '69 vintage. The ignition system (it's exactly the same on the 65 HP and 100 HP) has been giving me fits this year. I've fried two switch boxes and been stranded on the lake 3 times. <br /><br />When this ignition system fails, it fails completely, you don't have a coil for the other half of the engine that will let you limp home.<br /><br />The switch boxes are available, but at $320 each. The stupid-human-trick that started my headaches was cranking the motor over with the sparkplugs removed to clear a flooded motor. Apparently, the lack of a suitable place for the spark to land sent high voltage feedback up to the switchbox and caused all kinds of havoc. If you learn from my mistake and don't EVER crank the motor without the plugs grounded, you will most likely have a fine running motor. Of course, the local Merc dealer told me that just because the motor is of '69 vintage that it's only good for use as an anchor. He suggests the best way to fix it is to bring him $$$$$ and let him install a brand new one complete with power trim and new controls. Funny how someone trying to make a buck has such good friendly advise!

 

[steelespike]

Re: 69 Merc parts avail

I believe what you have is a very straight forward<br />magneto distributer. I think your best bet for <br />confirmation is JohnsOld Mercury Web Site at:<br />www.pfs-ware.com they can tell you what youve got. <br />They are reliable,hard to get at on some motors,some parts are hard to come buy<br />and expensive. Good luck.