Re: Mercury 650 problems – is it worth an overhaul?

[shoestringmariner]

So I had a mechanic have a go at this motor. He said the wiring is looking rough but should be ok for a season or two, which is ok by me.

He put a new water pump in it and the pee stream looks much better.
He said it had the wrong prop (too big & not enough pitch) and wrong plugs in it and he adjusted the carbs. I’m not entirely pleased with it though. It was sneezing at first start/warmup. I ran it at 90% open and crusing speeds for almost 2 hours. Seemed to run well but I was concerned it was over revving. (No tach) seemed to run higher rpms this time out..

My issue now is at the end of the day, it was a handful at the launch. Would not run right at idle. Hard to start. Tank had 10-15% fuel in it. Didn’t want to start without choke. Is the primer bulb supposed to be firm? It was soft. Vent was open

Thanks in advance