Cylinder Failure

Hey Guys,

I'm new both here, and to boat ownership. I just bought a boat with a 2000 Johnson 115HP. It was running fine for a few days (although just a little rough when just above idle); and then it shut down on me. It acted as though it wasn't getting fuel for a few minutes. After I primed the bulb, it fired back up and got me to the ramp.

The mechanic has said that one cylinder is firing at 50 lbs of pressure, whereas the others are 125-135. They said that the VRO pump likely failed.

My question is this: If they recommend rebuilding the motor, is it possible to still run the boat with one cylinder not working properly? Will that totally destroy everything else, or will it just give me less power? I'm fine with not going 50 MPH; but if it is something that will destroy my motor or keep me from planing out, then I can't have that.

Sorry if this is a silly question; but as with everyone, times are tough!! Thanks for the tips.

Re: Cylinder Failure

There are no silly questions, just silly answers.

Do not run the engine. That will destroy it.

Remove the cylinder head and inspect the bad cylinder. You may only need a head gasket.

Re: Cylinder Failure

Thanks a lot for the quick response!

I'll have them do that.

Re: Cylinder Failure

A failed VRO wouldn't discriminate ... it would take out all cylinders. Find out what's wrong before running the motor again, or you will be in for more damage. You may find a bad head gasket, cylinder damage, etc. when you pull the head.

Re: Cylinder Failure

I was under the same assumption about the VRO, although I don't have any boat motor experience. The shop is checking things out right now; so hopefully they'll have the problem pinned down when they get back to me. Their first thought was the VRO pump, though.

Thanks for the heads up!

Re: Cylinder Failure

Poor Poor VRO....gets all the blame when it is completely innocent...

Re: Cylinder Failure

And it's pretty pricey ... bad for customer, good for service dept.

Re: Cylinder Failure

That's the problem with not being armed with knowledge...It's not very easy, or professional for that matter, to make "suggestions" to the mechanic. Who wants to hear that they may be wrong from someone who's only knowledge comes from a few forum tips!!?

I can only hope they know what they're doing; or take it somewhere else.

*sigh*

Re: Cylinder Failure

Couple of scenarios:

1. Blown/leaking head gasket. Pull head on affected cyl and examine. You will either see the blown head gasket (you have the O-ring type head gasket), OR

2. Scored cylinder from running lean. You will see obvious scratches and damage to the cylinder walls. The proper fix for that is to rebuild the engine.
If it is scored from running lean, make SURE you correct the probelm that caused the lean running condition...most likely a dirty carb that feeds the bad cyl., varnish, clog somewhere in it. It could be an air leak around the carb base or intake....that will lean it out too.

To answer your question tho....and I will get flak here....Way back when...1985, I had a 185HP V6 that ran lean on me, scored one cylinder, resulting in low compression. I do not remember the value....
I put the head back on and ran it. Never gave me a bit of trouble.

That is a true experience, but I DO NOT RECOMMEND IT, just as the other posters here have said. "You takes yo chances..."

Where are you located? Maybe we can collaborate on fixing it for you...

Re: Cylinder Failure

I'm in Nashville, TN, and praying for the warm weather to stay around

Yeah, I definitely see your point about taking your chances. I guess the question for me comes down to this. If I have to rebuild the engine anyways, does the potential damage that is caused from running one cylinder down amount to more money when I do rebuild. If so, then it's not worth the risk. I would rebuild.
If, however, the cost would be the same, then it may be worth risking.

Keep in mind, of course, I haven't even heard back from the mechanic yet. Hopefully I'm not dead in the water.

Re: Cylinder Failure

Just talked to the shop. They said that the number 1 cylinder has been scored, and will require a rebuild.

The estimate is around $3500. My summer has just come to a crashing halt!

Re: Cylinder Failure

idlingby said:

Just talked to the shop. They said that the number 1 cylinder has been scored, and will require a rebuild.

The estimate is around $3500. My summer has just come to a crashing halt!

Click to expand...

Urrrffff....so sorry....

I am too far away to help...Titusville, FL.

Just remember....that cyl scored for a reason....get that reason fixed before you score the new p'head. Keep up the questions if you want.

Re: Cylinder Failure

I'm sure I will.

I know right where Titusville is. I am originally from FL, and did a bunch of fishing with some friends over at Mosquito Lagoon!