Bad news? Engine compression.

[AFishin69]

Well guys I took the motor I just got an older 135 Evinrude, I think from the 70's to the shop for a tuneup to be put on the water for the first time this weekend. The mechanic told sice it is idleing rough that I might have bad compression on one of the cylinders, its a V-4. How bad of news is that if that is the result and what are my options.. they are going to do a compression test.. later on this afternoon. If you guys can help let me know, I am on a limited budget so I am looking for the cheapest way, is this expensive??If it bad compression?

 

[adam171771]

Re: Bad news? Engine compression.

It depends on why it is reading low on any particular cylinder. If it is sticking rings, or a bad head gasket..cheap fix. If it is from scoring or wear..not so cheap. Even after they give you the readings, pull the head of the cylinder block that is low and do a visual inspection which will give you an idea of the problem and cost.

 

[Hooty]

Re: Bad news? Engine compression.

Get back to us, on this same post, and let us know what the compression readings were before ya do anything.<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[AFishin69]

Re: Bad news? Engine compression.

Do you think if it is a head gasket or ring that I could do this myslef? Or just let them do it if it is a worst case secnario?? He said that it tends to be a common thing with older modle Evinrudes.. does that mean that it happens all the time?? I still don't know hte exact year of my motor I just wnet out and looked at it the only number I found on the block was up near the water pump..."317956"is this any help.. and the enigne block looks exactly like my buddys 85 horse johsnon that is all white. I think it is an 80's model. Thanks you guys will get back to ya!

 

[AFishin69]

Re: Bad news? Engine compression.

One more thing it is 135 on both engine covers although I haven't seen 135 made in the 70's on 130hp, so could be an 80's model??

 

[jim dozier]

Re: Bad news? Engine compression.

Your mechanic is absolutely right. Engine wear is a common problem with older motors, Evinrude, Johnson, Mercury, Yamaha, Suzuki, Force, Chrysler, Briggs & Stratton, SeaGull, Ford, Chevy, Mercedes, Lamborghini...........

 

[AFishin69]

Re: Bad news? Engine compression.

Is that just the way they were built or do newer parts last longer?? Is it possible to change head gaskets myslef?

 

[Solittle]

Re: Bad news? Engine compression.

Bailey - How well do you know this mechanic? A rough idle can be caused by many things - most of which do not require a rebuild. Have your mechanic write down the compression readings for you. Make sure he indicates the cylinder number for each reading. Even if your compression is off the fix may be as simple as cleaning out the built up carbon in the engine which you can do.<br /><br />I am skeptical of mechanics who plant the seed of needing a rebuild before doing any troubleshooting. <br /><br />I suggest that you do not let him talk you into a rebuild without confirmation from someone you trust - and let us know what he recommends.<br /><br />As to wear - Wear starts the first time you fire it up but properly maintained these motors will last longer than many of their owners.<br /><br />I have seen it written that an averaage boat owner will use his boat 50 hours a year. I have also seen it written that some well maintained motors of your size have gone 1-2,000 hours. You do the math - - .<br /><br />And yes you can replace the head gasket yourself - not a big deal even if you have never done it. I suggest that you go to the reference section of your local library and look through some of the shop manuals. Best bet would be to buy the shop manual for your motor if you can find out what year it is.

 

[AFishin69]

Re: Bad news? Engine compression.

I talked to him on the phone I do not know who he is, i thouhgt that the motor sounded fairly well for not having been staarted for over a year. YOu can hear the varyin gin the rpms at idle. I mean they want to troubleshoot, so the main reaason for me taking it in was to get compression readings.. He told me to make a list of what I wanted to be checked out.. do ou have any suggestions other than compression.. I know a lot about car enignes so I am not afffraid to take on a job, I just dont have the tools for diganostics.. that is what I am hoping to get!

 

[roj]

Re: Bad news? Engine compression.

My '75 Rude 115 had the following compression (so I was told) 108,124,123,124. ((If I remembr exactly right- the powerhead was replaced in '87))<br /><br />It ran fine- had some flaking in the top cyl (108). When it did crap out on me...The powerpac, stator, wiring harness and some coils were replaced in a shotgun response to three years of timkering to get it to run right. I also had the cyl bored. Compression is pretty good and even now. Runs like it did before it crappd out-good.<br /><br />I was lucky and all of the above work cost about $800.

 

[AFishin69]

Re: Bad news? Engine compression.

So even if one cylinder is running low it will run okay on 3 cylinders?? Or will that lead to more problems?

 

[wayne h]

Re: Bad news? Engine compression.

decarb??

 

[Hooty]

Re: Bad news? Engine compression.

Roger the decarb. Lets don't have a funeral until we know tha things dead. What was/is the compression readings?? <br /><br />c/6<br /><br />Hooty

 

[AFishin69]

Re: Bad news? Engine compression.

I will get the compression readings Thur morning. When I was talking to the mechanic he was saying that finding parts for a 73 Rude will be somewhat hard to find and will be expensive. And they were not sure if they want to get into that old of an engine.. if the compression is bad?? What do you guys think!! By the way thanks for all your guys' help.. I have leatned a lot. But I think we have a way to go! Thur is the date to see. If the compression is bad what should I do?? Junk the engine or aim for headgaskets?? Is this engine worth saving??

 

[AFishin69]

Re: Bad news? Engine compression.

What will decarbing do if one of the cylinders is bad??

 

[AFishin69]

Re: Bad news? Engine compression.

Well,, i am ready to die.. compression is bad it goes:<br />80,110,120,140 he said that it needs to get rings. Also the lower unit was not de winterized so when he filled it up the oil dumped out by the propeller. He told me to junk the engine since it going to cos tme more to fix that its worth.... any guys have any suggestion... on where to find a cheap enigne i am on a tight budget anyone want to sell anything I would prefer 50hp and higher, but I am desperate.. Thanks a lot guys!!

 

[myles carey]

Re: Bad news? Engine compression.

it will still run well. i had a cylinder down to 60. took the boat out every week.reliable.i later replaced the power head .

 

[AFishin69]

Re: Bad news? Engine compression.

What about the lower unit? Any suggestions?

 

[AFishin69]

Re: Bad news? Engine compression.

What about the lower unit? Any suggestions?

 

[Walker]

Re: Bad news? Engine compression.

Get a manual. You can replce all the lower units seals yourself with a manual and a little mechanical knowhow.