57 Golden Javelin Powerhead Replacement?

Joined
May 30, 2015
Messages
5
I have a 57 Golden Javelin I got for cheap that has compression issues. I'm getting 55 lbs in 1 cylinder and 60 in the other.I removed the head gasket and the exaust cover and found that the bore and cylinders look good but the rings are shot, Would it be easier to find a powerhead that has good compression and swap it out or replace the rings?
 

racerone

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Dec 28, 2013
Messages
37,970
Are you sure the rings are shot !----------Was this compression test done with a calibrated gauge ?--------Was it done using electric start ?-------Was it done using recoil ?---------Was compression release in the picture ?
 
Joined
May 30, 2015
Messages
5
I checked the compression first thing when I got the Javelin and it was 55-60 lbs using electric start. I sprayed sea foam in the cylinders and let it sit for a while and still got the same result. The rings bounce when you push them with a screwdriver. I'm not sure if the cylinder head is good. The compression release covers are not cracked. The guage is good, i get 110 lbs in both cylinders on my 57 Evinrude 35. Both cylinders and bore look good with no signs of scoring. The rings dont show any scoring or scratches either. Maybe i should be looking at the cylinder head?
 

HighTrim

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
10,486
It may be worn rings, but not necessarily.

Its good you have verified your gauge, that would be step 1.

Ensure that the compression release is not activating, or the valves are not stuck open, which would limit your compression readings.

Its also good that the compression readings are very similar. I would start by closely inspecting the head gasket between the cylinders, to see if there is leakage there. Also, dress the head, by laying emory on a flat surface like plate glass, and doing figure 8s with it. You will watch the head get true, by continually checking it. In between cylinders always seems to get surfaced last when I do them. If that's the case, it was an easy fix of some time, and a new head gasket.

If that doesn't do it, its still not necessarily the rings. You will need to measure the bore, to see if it is worn oversize or not. The Javelin bore should measure 3.0625". If you don't have a bore gauge, and a micrometer, you could cheat and install new rings in the bore, and measure the end gap. The end gap should be between .007 and .017, any bigger a gap, and the cylinder is worn and will need to be bored oversize.

Now, if your bore is good, it could very well be the rings. Remove them, and the check their end gap when inserted into the cylinder.

Ill post some pics of a Javelin powerhead im rebuilding. Ive done dozens of restos on Javelins, they are one of my favourite motor. I have about a dozen of them!

There are a few candidates that you could use to swap powerheads if you end up having one that's no good, but lets verify that first.

If you need help with NLA parts or rebuild, PM me. The rings and/or head gasket, I believe you can get here at iboats, if need be Javelin Resto 4.jpg .
Javelin Resto 1.jpg
Javelin Resto 2.jpg
Javelin Resto 3.jpg
 
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