Merc 650 with Starting problems

[bparr98]

I recently got an old boat out my dads garage that has not been run since around 1978. It has a MERC 650 engine on it, but I can not get it to start. When I first moved it to my house it started up fine and ran good, but then when I took it to the lake I could not get it to start. I have since started looking internal to the engine and have determined that I have no spark at the spark plugs. Does anyone have ideas of what to check next and how to check it. The motors spins over fine it just will not start. As I said it ran fine when I first brought it out last month, but somehow in transpporting it, something must of got shaken or gone bad somehow. I have a manual on order but figured I try here as well.

 

[The Marine Doctor]

Re: Merc 650 with Starting problems

First of all...check your battery connections to see if one is maybe loose or corroded. If you have one that is loose or corroded, then you probebly burnt out your Switchbox. Switchboxes need proper voltage at all times. A single arc can end it all for the happy boater.<br /><br />I suggest you wait for your manual before you undertake any testing, so you do not damage any other components.<br /><br />When you get the manual..feel free to email me...I will help you out.<br /><br />marinedoctor@shaw.ca<br /><br />TMD