Hole in the side of engine! Update Pics added

[da83moon]

Re: Hole in the side of engine! Update Pics added

No sentimental value, just that I can't afford a new engine. I can afford 5-600 dollars in repair but most engines are pretty expensive. This is my third engine in the last 4 year. I've Only taken a boat out 5 times with a out board on it and then it tears up. I always water test them. I had jsut spent 200 dollars replacing the wiring harness, impellers, rebuilt the carbs and changed some other things out. Well I guess I'll tear it apart and just see the extent of the damage maybe and then decide. I know I can get the head for 120 th piston is 90 if I have to have it bored then I'll ahve to get two new pistons. However if that is the extent of the damage. I'm more worried about the crankshaft.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Hole in the side of engine! Update Pics added

well if you get it torn down and it is too bad, you can sell good parts for more than a complete non running motor.

 

[da83moon]

Re: Hole in the side of engine! Update Pics added

Thanks thasasdaddy, thats what I'm figuring on. I figured if nothing else is torn up then I might be okay to have the head and piston fixed. Do you have to have the engine bored if it has a couple small places in it, or is there a sleeve I can replace

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Hole in the side of engine! Update Pics added

I don't know, but there are two decent-looking boats in the Twin Cities Craigs List with 55 hp johnnyrudes on them. Asking price for each boat is $1000. Both boats actually look serviceable, but that's not the issue, really. Both have your outboard on them, running just fine.

That's my point. A new engine doesn't make sense, but a good-running version of yours does, since you have a parts engine already.

Buy the boat and motor, sell the boat and trailer and go boating with the running outboard on your boat. Over the winter, swap out parts until you get the very best 55hp you can put together.

The thing is, you're counting on your block being repairable. It might be. On the other hand, aluminum castings that have oily stuff in them aren't always repairable. Welding thin sections like where your hole is doesn't always work out, especially if the casting is even a little porous and absorbed some oil from the crankcase.

You're willing to spend $5-600 to fix your engine. You can probably find one that's already running for that much money, especially if you buy it on a boat and sell the boat. Those two $1000 boats will probably go for $800 on an offer. Pretty easy to sell a boat and trailer right now for $300. Someone's always looking for a project boat to go with the outboard they have.

I'm just saying....

In any case, don't buy any pistons or other parts until you find out that the block can be repaired and gets successfully repaired.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Hole in the side of engine! Update Pics added

I agree with CT. A motor with a hole in the casing, and a piston that shows damage on both sides, is going to cost money. I say go find another motor, be it on a boat for sale or otherwise.

Also, if you have been through three motors in four years, you are either not choosing the motors well, or are making some serious mistakes in the way you are operating them. I think you need to find a buddy who really knows his way around an outboard motor to either help you with your next purchase, or help you with operational issues.

 

[da83moon]

Re: Hole in the side of engine! Update Pics added

Thanks guys for the honest ansewer and the kick in the rear and smack on the head. I'm going to look at the options. None the less, I'll get experience if I take it part knowing what goes where and does what. I will check into other engines, and Cat I would get those you said, if it was a wee bit closer. I would have to buy it for 500 dollars and spend the other 500 on gas from TN to there even in the Scion. But I do like the honest ansewers on here and no bs'ing around about it.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Hole in the side of engine! Update Pics added

Here ya go, in Knoxville:

http://knoxville.craigslist.org/boa/782656392.html

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Hole in the side of engine! Update Pics added

There you go. Buy the rig for $900, put the engine on your boat and sell the other boat and trailer. If they are in good shape and you are patient, you could probably get the entire $900 back by selling the boat and trailer!

A free motor is much better than putting 6 or 7 hundred dollars into a motor with a hole in the casing!

 

[da83moon]

Re: Hole in the side of engine! Update Pics added

Thanks CatTransplant, I did send him an email sold, I'm waiting on some others to respond back.

 

[da83moon]

Re: Hole in the side of engine! Update Pics added

Alright I have a quick question regarding my rebuild. I've had no luck finding a block. I though I had but I've not. I was ordering a rebuilt engine exactly like mine and however they said since they made that engine just one year, that I would have no luck. However he said that he could send me a 60 hp a couple of years later, and everything would bolt up exactl the same. He said that this would be a upgrade for me and would directly bolt on. The only problem that I may face would be with the idling. He said that I may have to rejet the carb. He said the only thing I would have to rejet is the air jet to get the idle to run. Can someone tell me if this is something that would be obtainable and good route to go?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Hole in the side of engine! Update Pics added

What happened is a piston skirt broke and went through the block. It has happened before -- on my 55. Ran all day with only a tendency to stumble at part throttle. Had the boat for sale the next day. Next morning I get up, try to fire up the engine to make sure all was ok and it wouldn't start. Closer inspection revealed the hole. In my case the hole resulted in a flap of metal that remained attached to the block. I was able to persuade the flap back in position. Stripped the engine, had a welding pro weld the flap. Installed a new piston and a set of rings and the engine lived on.

 

[da83moon]

Re: Hole in the side of engine! Update Pics added

Well my problem is a little more intense than this. I've got two holes on either side of the block and no pieces to but it back with and I'm going to have to have it resleeved and new piston and rings. I took it to the best welder around and he said he could fix it for 250 dollars. Also I've got to get hte head reworked because the metal beat it up. I hadn't ever taken an engine apart and made the mistake of using a screw driver to take the two piecs of the main block apart which is a no no becasue they are machined and now they are buggered up beyond repair. So I'm going to route of getting a rebuilt engine with a 15 month warranty, and sending my good parts back for credit. It just since they dno't make these blocks except for one year, then I'm going to have to move to a 60 hp engine. Just wondeiring if anyone else had done this.

 

[jim_b_20653]

Re: Hole in the side of engine! Update Pics added

There is a 55hp for sale on somd.com for $200 obo. best to get at least a new block for yours.

 

[da83moon]

Re: Hole in the side of engine! Update Pics added

Thanks for the info, looked it up its a 72 mines a 79 and apparently only a 79 is interchangable with a 79 55. Its a one year make and no others will work.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Hole in the side of engine! Update Pics added

I have a 76 model 55hp with a scored cylinder wall but it was running when i pulled the head off.
I wonder if my block would work for you?
I just don't have the time to rebuild it myself...have been thinking of parting it out.

 

[SpitnSputter]

Re: Hole in the side of engine! Update Pics added

I remember i had a 50 hp merc..The guy said it was blown ..I tinkered with it and found a hole in front of crankcase..Turned out to be the shiftshaft was in a bind and it was binding the stop for it which was part of the crancase cover.....Someone had the lower unit off and didnt put it back on right..I had someone aluminum heliarc (weld) it .. It ran after all that...Do you still have the peice that was blown out?

 

[da83moon]

Re: Hole in the side of engine! Update Pics added

No its actually crumbled in 30 different pieces and its in a bend. The welders said its a 50/50 chance it would work

 

[steve821]

Re: Hole in the side of engine! Update Pics added

you do not have to replace both pistons unless they are both screwed. you can go up one size over on one hole with no problems

 

[jim_b_20653]

Re: Hole in the side of engine! Update Pics added

There is a 79 55hp listed in the local craigs list today for $400 obo. " For Sale 1979 Johnson 55HP. Recent carb work. Lower unit just serviced. Throttle controls and ignition switch. Gas cans included. Email or call 703-987-9906 between 9am and 9pm."