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

[shoestringmariner]

Thanks Bill (and to everybody else on the board. You’ve all been tremendously helpful). I can move the catches back and forth freely. Looking at my old lower unit I can see the cam. I’m going to drop the new lower unit tonight to take a look.

If you don’t mind more questions; can I drop the lower unit without changing the oil? My oil pump fitting does not fit the thread size. Or once I split the housing, does it expose the oil in the gearcase to accidental contamination of water dripping from the pump tube etc.

My manual also says to take the prop off, which I don’t understand. Is this actually necessary?
The manual (Seloc) does not impress me much. I’ve gotten 100 times better information here than through its pages.