Re: This Looks Bad... Is It?
I took it apart for a series of reasons.
So, I checked the compression and found all the cylinders were way different.
Also, I figured that after such a harsh time period and bad performance there would be other issues. So far I've found a busted ring on one piston, so I know that that was a huge issue.
Also found what I'm pretty confident was a very leaky head gasket. I will be getting the cylinders mic'ed and gauged, and probably rebored.
And since I've gone this far, I figure I might as well spend the winter getting to know this engine inside and out. (I've never done anything even remotely mechanical before. I don't even like to change my own oil.)
So I'm off on this big adventure, with you folks to guide me.
Next summer.... Re-doing the interior!!
hello b'stini,
thanks for the feedback.
so i am curious... when u did the compression test what was the reading on the bore sporting the broken piston ring? and the others, too? what were they?
did u see any bore scratches on the one with the broken ring?
what indications do u see or made u think u had a bad/leaking head gasket?
i am also getting to know my engine inside n out, [1971 85HP evinrude] got my oe outboard parts manual today, in fact. and thinking about pulling the heads. just because of 37 yr old head gaskets and despite good to better good compression... the clamp load may have subsided some over the yrs and could potentially be a failed water to bore leak... soon.
i have the head's water passage plates removed and gaskets [finally cleaned 8 hrs 2 sides!!!
] cleaned and ready for fresh gaskets...
but i am tossing around pulling the heads, too.
well, unless the bores are really egg shaped and the piston's barrel shape gone or skirt grooving gone/worn off... fresh rings along with all the other stuff u will do... will do wonders to the engine. and they can be put in by urself and u can self hone it also with excellent results. no doubt the shop will love a rebore invoice, but a lot can be sed for doing it urself and saving the $$. even if my bores were weak and the pistons a bit worn, but engine ran good... i would just replace the rings, decarb the piston ring lands and hand hone the bores. in fact, once i learn more about the carbs, timing advance and all the side controls n parts... i plan to pop off the power head and do just that. maybe sev falls/winter time down the road.
for my 2-cents... be sure to install the piston rings with a ring expander! not by hand. if the shop will fit the pistons ask how they fit the rings. and u want no sharp edges at the ring gap ends. break them with a file.
pretty good work for a non-mechanical guy to catch a...
Broken Piston Ring!!
mo pix and updates, please...
regards
lakester
