Replace the piston rings or not?

[dakotamoore]

I have a 1981 7.5 hp johnson and i am losing power constantly. I am pretty sure that it is the piston ring that has shrunk but does anyone have any suggestions.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Replace the piston rings or not?

what is your compression, have you check spark when you loose power. when were your carb last cleaned and rebuilt with a kit???? a decarb has never hurt a motor. see TOP SECRET FILE.

 

[5150abf]

Re: Replace the piston rings or not?

Concur, start with a compression check, thre are several things that could cause that problem so you could go to the expense of a rebuild only to find it didn't fix the problem.

Define "losing power", it runs fine then losses power or it never does run right.

If ti is okay sometimes and not others I wouldn't think that was a ring, the are usually good or they are bad.

You can get a compression gauge at any auto parts store for around $20, post results and we will go from there.

 

[F_R]

Re: Replace the piston rings or not?

Never have heard of a piston ring "shrinking".