88 5hp Mariner compression check

Pete E

Cadet
Joined
Jul 29, 2006
Messages
8
Does anyone what it should be ? I've got the motor dialed in but it still seems sluggish. The plug is a light charcoal color. It almost sounds like it not getting enough air. I've cleaned the carb and check twice to see if some gunk has loosened up. I've turn air/fuel in and out alittle but no change. Any other idea's? I've got a 12 ft tin can with about 400 lbs in it with me and family plus other gear. I would think the motor is big enough but we just putt along. I swear I could paddle my yak faster.
 

05GlastronSX

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 29, 2005
Messages
437
Re: 88 5hp Mariner compression check

its not so much the number readings, all that matters is that the cylinders are within 10-15% of eachother. Id guess that yours is a singer cylinder though, so that may not apply to you. Anything over 70-80 would be considered acceptable IMO.

Also, i dont think 5 hp is enough for that boat when your hauling a few people and their gear. anythying less than 7.5 is inadequate. a 9.9 would be nice especially for the extra load and a 15 might be overkill and thats if the boat can even hold it.
 

deejaycee_2000

Captain
Joined
Mar 28, 2006
Messages
3,447
Re: 88 5hp Mariner compression check

I have a 5hp mariner (single Cylinder) it will only putt along, you can only get it on plain on a light boat with 1 person in, these are very strong motors made for trolling ..... air screw should be turned in to soft stop then out 2 and a half turns .... compression should be about 80 - 120 then ok ....
 

Pete E

Cadet
Joined
Jul 29, 2006
Messages
8
Re: 88 5hp Mariner compression check

Darn, I was hopeing it was something mechanical. I had a hunch it might be to small for the boat. Well guess I'll search for a older 9.9 or 10 horse. That's the max for my boat. Thanks for the help
Pete
 
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