1965 Mercury 65 hp- no reverse and no neutral

[Bassy]

I hope someone has some advice, no matter how harsh it is. <br /> I inherited a Mercury 65 hp motor on a 15 ft. boat. After looking up serial number( 1760709) found that it is a 1965, I think. Well, we took it out on the lake and found it has no neutral or reverse. Needless to say it was back on the trailer in less than 10 minutes. <br /> My question is, what kind of $$ and time will it take to fix this and is it even worth doing? <br /> Please be as honest as you can be.<br />Thanks,Bassy

 

[roscoe]

Re: 1965 Mercury 65 hp- no reverse and no neutral

It could be as simple as adjusting the shift cable, or the shift shaft. Or you may have to replace a cable? <br /><br />You will need a manual to walk you thru it, or a good friend to show you how. Or an marine mechanic. <br /><br />If you could get it fixed for $25, or even $100, wouldn't it be worth it? Even if you plan on selling it, it would be working so you could give a test drive, and that will always bring a higher price.<br /><br />You can buy a manual at the bottom of this page. A library in a good sized city may have a manual.

 

[Bassy]

Re: 1965 Mercury 65 hp- no reverse and no neutral

Roscoe<br /> Thanks for the reply. $25-$100 is something we can do and the manual is on its way. Thanks for the link. I'm so glad it's something we can fix. I JUST LOVE THIS SITE!! <br />Thanks again,<br />Bassy

 

[ZmOz]

Re: 1965 Mercury 65 hp- no reverse and no neutral

Well, what exactly doesn't it do? I had a problem with my '74 150hp not going into reverse, the cable needed adjusting and the control box needed a part replaced. After that it worked for a few days and now there's a different problem with reverse. I don't really care anymore...reverse isn't that important.

 

[OhNoMrBill1960]

Re: 1965 Mercury 65 hp- no reverse and no neutral

Hell Bassy,<br />I would get someone who knows what they are doing to look at it. I have a 64 650 and in the course of changing the lower unit we didn't have it aligned properly and sure enough we only had forward. It was as simple as dropping the lower unit making sure it is in reverse then make sure the shifter is in reverse and reinstall it. At this time of year the marinas are quieter. At least up here they are. Or maybe just get someone who knows what they are doing to help you out. A word of advice while you have it off change the impeller and the oil in the lower unit and you'll have your bases covered.

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: 1965 Mercury 65 hp- no reverse and no neutral

How did you start it... with no neutral ?<br />In gear ? I thought there was a neutral start switch

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: 1965 Mercury 65 hp- no reverse and no neutral

Bassy,<br />remove the shift cable and try to shift manually.<br />this will tell wether problem is in cable or in<br />the lower unit.<br />good luck,<br />M.Y.

 

[Bassy]

Re: 1965 Mercury 65 hp- no reverse and no neutral

yep, started in forward even though we put it in neutral. lol quite a shock. <br /> got our manuel. first gotta get a hub for prop.<br /> then onto the motor. hubby is kinda excited to learn about boat motors. he already knows about car engines. so, we'll see how it goes. so many special tools though.