1992 120hp Force Opinion on compression

[ryan04]

Hey guys, a friend is looking at a 1992 120hp Force outboard, sitting on a 1992 maxum. He can pick it up for really cheap. It doesn't have spark but turns out it's just the emergency kill switch. Now there's spark to the motor but it's weak so chances are it's a regulator or a stator. That's not really my concern for him. Here's the "Easy Question" Cylenders 1,3 and 4 have compression ratings of 140psi, number 2 is at 123psi. Should I caution him away from this thing? It seems to be right on the line. As every seller says, it apparently ran fantastic before it lost spark at the beginning of june. Thoughts??

 

[emoney]

Re: 1992 120hp Force Opinion on compression

Not so sure the compression would scare me away, HOWEVER, I'd want to buy the thing in that "project" price range. The 1992 is on the line to where it may have been "before" Mercury started putting the better ignition systems in it. Lots of threads around here on the topic so I'd read as many as I could. Again, as long as he's buying it predicated on the fact that it's got issues, then I'd say, "why not". If, however, he's thinking it's a bolt-on-and-go type thing, might be better to keep looking.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 1992 120hp Force Opinion on compression

That compression could be something as simple as a head gasket or a blown piston.
Depending on the owner,will he let you remove the head?
And how CHEAP?????
A rebuild could be a set of rings,maybe a piston,maybe a bore job ETC???
Depends on $$$ and your competence level???

 

[Jiggz]

Re: 1992 120hp Force Opinion on compression

That compression could be something as simple as a head gasket or a blown piston.
Depending on the owner,will he let you remove the head?
And how CHEAP?????
A rebuild could be a set of rings,maybe a piston,maybe a bore job ETC???
Depends on $$$ and your competence level???

Or it could just be a stuck ring. Have you tried spraying WD-40 or fuel oil mix into the said cylinder and try compression reading again?