Merc 650 4 cylinder Ignition

sutor623

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Hey fellas. I am currently doing a fuel/spark/air overhaul on my 65hp. It is a 1967 4 cylinder. When I checked the spark plug wires for continuity, they are intermittent (when I move the wires around). I suspect either a loose plug boot or wire lead. I have seen kits online where you can make your own spark plug wires. The little screw in end for the older Mercuries are hard to find, but I KNOW that I have seen them in one of these Merc kits. Does anyone have an idea of where I can find these kits? Can these ends be re-used if I just get a standard set of wires and plugs? I am thinking about welding the ends onto a standard ignition wire.I dont want to but a used set of wires off ebay because I do not think that will solve my problem. Thanks!
 
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Re: Merc 650 4 cylinder Ignition

I tried to re-use them once on 69 950. Basically dont mess with it. Sierra sells replacements that will work, you may have to come up with a special crimper though.
 
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Re: Merc 650 4 cylinder Ignition

Yep that looks like them, youll have to have somthing to crimp them to the plug wires with. Honestly i dont remember how many comes in a pack. Youll have to order the boots and plug wires separate.

Strip back the insulation around the end of the plug wire and flip back the core onto the insulation , like you would a spark plug boot, when you crimp them. Make sure you check for continuity after you crimp them to the plug wire. You may already know this :)

Pretty sure that had BATTERY CD ignition with a switchbox, 3 wire trigger in distributor, single coil, and of course distributor. Correct me if im wrong.
 

sutor623

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Re: Merc 650 4 cylinder Ignition

Nope thats the setup here. Just wondering what kind of crimping tool Im going to need here.....
 
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Re: Merc 650 4 cylinder Ignition

Those are sierra parts being sold by marineegine.com .........you can tell by the 18- part number and it says sierra at the top of the page.

Have you seen the new pliers made by sears that are circular at the end and are supposed to grip just about any bolt? Well they work like those except they have 4 prongs that crimp in when you squeeze.

Sorry this is the best way i know how to discribe them.
 

sutor623

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Re: Merc 650 4 cylinder Ignition

Okay cool, I will see if I can find one. If not, Im sure I can rig one up. :)
 
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Re: Merc 650 4 cylinder Ignition

Wish i had known about those in prior years :(. But great info now :)

Id go with those....especially for 6$.
 

sutor623

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Re: Merc 650 4 cylinder Ignition

Wish i had known about those in prior years :(. But great info now :)

Id go with those....especially for 6$.

WOW THANKS MAN!! That is exactly what I need. That is really cheap too, $6.50. AWESOME!!
 

sutor623

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Re: Merc 650 4 cylinder Ignition

These guys sell the wire http://store.oldmercs.com/category_s/1462.htm with the ends attached.
Thanks a bunch Merc! New wires are lookin' fresh to death!!
P2170979.jpg

P2170980.jpg
 

sutor623

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Re: Merc 650 4 cylinder Ignition

Thanks again guys, motor is running superb.
 

merc850

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Re: Merc 650 4 cylinder Ignition

Like those yellow wires! The hole in the dist. cap should have a spark arrester screen (probably available fron a Merc dealer) or an elbow with a rubber hose like the one on the distributor body. The hose on the dist. body should be replaced too if it's hard and not flexible.
 

sutor623

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Re: Merc 650 4 cylinder Ignition

Like those yellow wires! The hole in the dist. cap should have a spark arrester screen (probably available fron a Merc dealer) or an elbow with a rubber hose like the one on the distributor body. The hose on the dist. body should be replaced too if it's hard and not flexible.

Thanks man!! I think they look good too, it was either yeller or black. And I did reinstall the elbow back into the dizzy cap soon after, but thanks for the heads up anwyway!
 
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