1978 Johnson 115hp Bad Ring - worth messing with?

[Collector of Junk]

Okay, above mentioned outboard started idling rough/dropping a cylinder. had to adjust the idle up a little to keep her cranked.

did compression check
1,2,4 cylinders all 125-130psi
#3 cylinder 100psi.

Opened head and noticed very small imperfection where a ring is starting to sheer. cylinder walls are beautiful, no grooves or scoring, no noticable wear.

my question is: IS THIS WORTH REBUILDING THE MOTOR?
my second question is: HOW LONG CAN I RUN THIS MOTOR BEFORE LOSING THE CYLINDER COMPLETELY?

keep in mind, this tank of a motor does not have tilt/trim. is it worth buying a used tilt/trim (found one for $300)?

should i just sink extra money into repowering with a newer motor? when i say new, i mean one about 20 years old instead of 34 years old.

 

[boobie]

Re: 1978 Johnson 115hp Bad Ring - worth messing with?

It won't run to long with the shape it's in. Your choice, either rebuild or a different mtr.

 

[Collector of Junk]

Re: 1978 Johnson 115hp Bad Ring - worth messing with?

Sh*t thats what I was scared of. I don't think I have the Mechanical Ability to Rebuild a motor. I understand BASIC principles of outboards, but the Thought of pressing rings and all that is daunting. can an average joe do this kind of thing?

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: 1978 Johnson 115hp Bad Ring - worth messing with?

If you consider yourself handy and can read a service manual, you should be able to tackle the project. You'll need a factory service manual-don't settle for anything less. Check out: outboardbooks.com The concern for still running it is that if the ring goes, it could damage the cyl walls-possibly requiring an overbore. As is, you might be lucky and just need to hone it and put in new rings.

 

[Collector of Junk]

Re: 1978 Johnson 115hp Bad Ring - worth messing with?

thanks. ill kick around the idea of rebuilding. might just try to find another powerhead. then i can rebuild at my leisure. jury is still out. thanks again.

 

[Collector of Junk]

Re: 1978 Johnson 115hp Bad Ring - worth messing with?

okay, so I wussed out and put it and my 2 parts motors on craigslist. Gonna try to find something with good compression. Bolt on parts are one thing, but I know when I am biting off more than I can chew sometimes.