72 115 hp Merc Compression question

[SHUMAKEB]

I just bought this motor yesterday for 900 with powertilt and trim. The man started it up and ran it put it in foward and reverse and it worked. I get home and test compression on it and it's a 6cyl the highest cylinder tested 125 and the lowest one tested 98 should i take this motor back or not?

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: 72 115 hp Merc Compression question

Yes. It's about to be crying for at least a ring job. <br /><br />What cylinder was the low one? I'll guess #3 (just a guess though)<br /><br />-W

 

[SHUMAKEB]

Re: 72 115 hp Merc Compression question

yeah i think that was the one. how much is a ring job?

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: 72 115 hp Merc Compression question

Depends on where you take it, but the labor is up there. I've seen quotes at anywhere from $1500 to $2300 depending on where and *what* they do.<br /><br />Labor is high because it involves a *total* teardown of the powerhead. <br /><br />I think I'm about as low as it gets (because I only do inlines over and over and have a good supply of used and new aftermarket parts) and I get $500 plus parts and machine shop fees on the mail-order boxed powerheads and TRY to keep them under 1k by "resorting" to aftermaket and used parts where needed to keep it alive. Oh - and add $100 if those PITA exhaust plates need any attention. <br /><br />On ones that drive up mounted ADD remove / replace powerhead hours - PLUS an hour to do that tuning procedure we saw posted. (so at least 4-5) And THEN I "upsell" a carb cleaning and fuel pump kit and THEN upsell a lower unit relube and replace the waterpump. So I usually see the $1500 anyway for sure. And remember - I'm at the cheap end. Same total rework of the critter could get up to $2500 at a busy shop that really doesn't wanna do a donosaur and has to deal with Brunswick for all the parts. Any more than $2500 though, and I'd say you're getting robbed.<br /><br />Still - when you compare that to one of those 2+2 fours at nearly 10k - it's not as painfull. <br /><br />-W