1998 TRACKER PT175 "No compression"

[mikeb7678]

Hello Im a newbie here and Im looking for some expert advise. Im thinking of buy a 1998 TRACKER PT175. The advertising say "Top Cylinder has no compresion and the other two cylinders are at 120. I have some knowledge of small motors but not boat motors. Here are my questions.

1. What would cause cylinder 1 to have no compression but the other two are fine. ? And what parts would I need to replace to fix this issue?

2. What would be the round about cost to fix this?

3.The person is selling boat and trailer for $3,200.00, with this issue do I have any room for negotiation?

Thanks Mike

 

[racerone]

Might be as simple as a blown head gasket.----Or a scored piston .----If you can not fix the latter yourself you run away from this deal.

 

[QBhoy]

Hole in the piston if it’s genuinely 0 psi. If it’s got some compression and you get the idea that the seller may not know too much about these things, could just be a sticking ring.

 

[Chris1956]

A 3 cylinder 175HP motor is unusual. They would normally be a V6.

Let's pretend the damage is as the seller says. To fix the issue, the block would need to be torn down, the top cylinder bored oversize, and a new OS piston and rings installed. After reassembly, you will need to find the cause of the failure. It could be clogged carb, faulty ignition timing or overheating.

You will need a factory service manual, a machine shop to bore the cylinder, a new OS piston and rings and a powerhead gasket set. It makes sense to rebuild all carbs as well as install new thermostats and waterpump.

Probably shops will not work on that old of a motor, so you are on your own.

OK, so boat, motor and trailer for $3200. a blown motor is worth about $500, since it will cost you ~$400 in parts to repair, and the motor is likely worth $1.5K if it is running well. As for the value of the boat and trailer, I cannot advise. I would expect the price of the package to be a bit less, due to the work needed on the motor. Not many will/can do that work, which shrinks the market.

 

[racerone]

I thinks the 175 refers to the model# / designation of the boat !----PT175 = Pro Team 175 ??

 

[mikeb7678]

Thank you everyone for the info.

 

[flyingscott]

You have no head gasket on that motor. Get a bore scope or start taking the motor apart.

 

[racerone]

It could be a FORCE motor on that boat.-----No pictures or model , serial # was posted -.----Maybe I missed it.

 

[flyingscott]

It could be a FORCE motor on that boat.-----No pictures or model , serial # was posted -.----Maybe I missed it.

Very true forgot about those.

 

[airshot]

If the previous owner did not take care of his motor, what else did he not take care of ?? In my opinion the price is to high for the unkown issues. I would walk away. I bought my 1992 Sylvan side console with 40 hp Merc 40, all in mint garage kept condition for 4500, no way would I pay that for a blown engine....just my two cents...