Just received a freebie 250 sundancer '86 with a 260 / alpha. Previous owner ran it last year till it lost power, brought it to marina for diagnose and they removed starboard side head and told him he needs a new engine. I inspected the head and found an exhaust valve ( the smaller of the two?) with pieces missing around it's edges some rust and a rusted mating surface on the exhaust manifold. (I suspect water intrusion via gasket or rusted through exhaust) I still have to look at the pistons and cylinder walls. Before i pull the engine could i and would it be worth doing a compression test on the port side that is intact and based on those numbers do a leak down test if needed. I suspect the compression readings will be higher than on a intact engine but major differences between the cylinders would still spell trouble. No signs of rot or water anywhere in the boat but i will probe deeper with some test holes. Engine oil showed no signs of water, will check by volume when oil is drained.
