Re: Rebuild or buy newer
depends, if you patch it and dont fix the problem that caused the first failure a repeat failure is warrented.<br /> the 87 was a solid performer, the 3 normal causes of failure are overpropping,overheating and gummy carbs from sitting.<br />shoot for a WOT RPM of about 55-5800.<br /> the T-stats and holder I modify for better low speed cooling and after that its keep the cooling system in good shape.<br />if you buy vertex pistons, I just bought a set, check the rings. they sent me 8 top rings and no bottom rings. I am not impressed with vertex and will never use them again. I normally use sierra pistons on the crossflow motors and have had good service, the carb kits and engine gasket kit stick with BRP. in freshwater the sierra seal kits may work but in the salt pond they fail rapidly. the sierra water pump and T-stats seem to work ok. if the T-stat poppet is not vented then notch it. I usually open the holder bypass hole to 1/8".<br /> have the machine work done by a competent shop with two stroke experience so the ports are properly chamfered, pay careful attention to cleanliness at reassemply and always replace the bottom crank bearing and use new rodbolts.<br /> rod and wristpin bearings are good insurance.<br />check the water deflectors in the block while its apart.<br />check/surface the cyl head surfaces.<br /> usually if the crank and rods are reusable and the block borable I can recondition the power head for about 1200 or so in parts. a bit less if your careful. test the recirc check valves but I normally just replace them.<br /> a bad piston is normally a symptom of a problem, they normally dont fail just cause.
