No Compression - Power head Question

I have an 89 johnson/evenrude 2 stroke 175 hp outboard. I tested the compression this weekend to find that while I got 90 psi on the right cylinder I had no compression on the left. I am being told that the engine is too old to rebuild and I need to buy a new powerhead. Is this true? Cost to repair is $3300.00

Re: No Compression - Power head Question

I don't know if being too old to rebuild is a question or not unless parts are not available. I think the parts are available as I had a 88 175 johnson.

Re: No Compression - Power head Question

Before you turn your wallet upside down you might want to find out more about the extent of the problem. What is the compression on each cylinder? What do the plugs look like (each cylinder)? Have you pulled the heads? Do you have the OMC shop manual?<br /><br />If you take the time to read many of the posts on this site from people who have had simular problems you will find that the cost of repair could be as little as $200.00 if limited to one cylinder and you do all but the machine work yourself. Parts should not be an issue. On the other end, $3,300.00 does not seem out of line if the work is done by a qualified mechanic and comes with a warranty.<br /><br />On the other hand if cost is not an issue for you, buy a new one.

Re: No Compression - Power head Question

Have you checked all six cylinders or just the 2.

Re: No Compression - Power head Question

First of all thanks to everyone who has responded. Now to answer some of your questions. The plugs looked soiled which was a surprise as I only replaced them recently and have not run the boat. I only pulled two plugs. When I get home (on the road) I'll pull the additional plugs and test the compression. Unfortunately I dont have access or the time to do heavy repairs so I'm going to have to take it to someone. What I'm thinking of doing is having someone take the heads off and see what shape they are in. I do have the OMC manual which I will take a look at too. Buying a new motor is not an option right now. I'm getting married in July and my wife to-be would much rather see a rock on her hand that costs thousands of dollars than to be able to ride on the boat. Although boats are expensive women are a greater expense!

Re: No Compression - Power head Question

Been truckin down that road for 37 years so far. With the boat at least I can leave it sit by itself for weeks at a time and just look at it when I want. Try that with the wife - -