'72 50hp New rings or not?

[jbjennings]

Guys,
I'm having to put a new piston/rod/rod bearings, and crankshaft in my motor.
If this motor runs out as good as I hope, I plan on keeping it for myself and hopefully using it for many years.

Question, is it wise to replace the rings on both pistons while I have it apart and it's easy to do, or will I be just as well off using used rings?
Basically, what would YOU do? Keep in mind, new rings are about 100 bucks for both pistons, and I don't want to spend any more than I have to. But if new rings would make it a much better motor........
F-R, as usual, if you wouldn't mind chiming in.........

BTW, I don't even know for sure if the lower unit, switches, etc. are good on this motor, so I don't want to throw too much in right away if I can help it. I did get a crank, bearings, and piston/rod for $25 on fleabay, so I'm pretty fired up about getting it in.
Thanks,
JBJ

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: '72 50hp New rings or not?

I would replace both pistons and have it bored.. you can take a 1/2 drill motor and a battery and test the lower unit..

 

[jbjennings]

Re: '72 50hp New rings or not?

Dang Faztbullet, you know that wasn't what I wanted to hear!!

Really, though, the motor has great crosshatching and no scoring in the cylinders whatsoever. It was running great before being in a flood. Both pistons I removed were perfect, one had stuck rings that were beyond extracting, and one rod cap and crank journal had slight pitting. No other problems.
Question: do you think a good used piston and used rings will work for a significant amount of time in "ideal" conditions?
Thanks,
I always appreciate your wise counsel,
JBJ

 

[jbjennings]

Re: '72 50hp New rings or not?

So,
Are used pistons and rings an absolute no-no?
Very curious,
JBJ

 

[14ftgrumman]

Re: '72 50hp New rings or not?

While you have it apart, might as well do it right. New rings, both cyls as long as the bores look good, and at least upper and lower crank seals.

I've put motors together with used piston and rings, but was going to use those power heads for spares. Darn shame you don't have a 25 you are going thru- I'd have you covered on used. Sold them and have a lot of stuff lying around .