TOPIC: 65hp 3 cylinder

hi, i just brought home a 65hp 3 cylinder merc serial#4384236. it is a distributorless ignition.it does spin with the starter and there is compression in all 3 cylinders. i did not get controls with it so i am trying to hot wire it to see if it has spark.the three terminals i took the boots off of in the photo are the wires coming up from the harness connector.
thanks

Disconnect the

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orange wire

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then crank it over.

See the attached picture.
And,...Since you do not have a controller and to be safe in this venture you MUST remove the propeller and you MUST put the shift into Forward gear so that it will not jump into gear when the beast starts and thrash your gears.
After reviewing the instructions on the attached picture simply put muffs on for a water supply, hook your 12v (+) to the primary side of the starter solenoid and your negative (-) to the starter body or (-) terminal, clip a small jumper wire onto the yellow wire terminal on the starter solenoid and touch the other end of the jumper wire to the primary 12v (+).
Best to have someone controlling the throttle linkage and choke.
Do NOT rev the beast up over about 1500 RPMs (fast idlle).
NEVER apply 12v (+) to this ignition switchbox, coils, or trigger.
It will FRY the works.
Thom

thanks for the replies. i had the lower unit off i pulled the plugs squirted some oil into the cylinders and turned it over then i disconnected the orange wire, squirted some gas in the carbs and she fired right up.now i know it is worth putting some time into it. i am used to the red stripe mercs so this one is all new to me. there is a choke solenoid connected to linkage on the carbs but no choke flap, what is up with that, am i missing something? again thanks for the help and i hope your feeling better doc.

It is a " primer system " -no choke shutters required.

well i guess i will put it up on the stand and start cleaning her up. i noticed that this gearcase is closer in size to my 1970 50 hp.
thanks again
steve d.

It is " closer in size " ---because it is the same gearcase!

BUT,...Might have a different gear ratio hiding inside so be sure and identify the ratio of your Merc that shares this gearcase size and make sure the donor is the correct ratio.
Thom

the shift shaft has a square end instead of the splined end i am used to seeing. the lower unit that came with seems ok so i will try to use that one. also when i picked up the engine the cowling was off and when i went to put it on now i am missing the center strip. would anyone happen to have one?
thanks
steve d.

Pictures of the gearcase?

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pictures of the shift shaft connection?

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Was the gearcase on it when you bought it??

here is a picture of the shaft. the lower unit was mounted on the engine but it was slightly frozen, i have freed it up and it spins and shifts ok, i just need to pressure test it.

Not sure what ---" slightly frozen is "

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I would be taking it apart to inspect for damage / rusted parts.

I concur - disassemble the gearcase and check it out. Do it now and you might just have to replace a couple bearings and seals. Wait 'til later and you'll be replacing gears and shafts, maybe more.
- Scott

yeah i guess i should, i still have about a month before the stripers come back. anyone have an extra center strip for the cover hanging around?
thanks
steve d

Something about the serial # of this motor.

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According to the books it should have a belt driven distributor.

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It appears to be a newer motor with that shift shaft and the 3 coil ignition set-up.----So what have you really got there?

sorry I take that back

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It appears to be a 76---first year without the distributor.

here is a picture of the harness connector, i can't say i have ever seen one of these before.i need the male end, are these still available? i didn't get a control box so i guess if i can't find the plug i will wire it direct.

Did you find a center cowl support yet?
I have one, but I'm not sure it is the correct one as there were at least three varieties used on the lil 3 cylinder Mercs.
I'll take a few measurements if you still need this piece.
Thom

Do you possibly have the chrome front that covers the carbs? or anyother engine parts? Please e-mail me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Thank you