Re: Mariner/Yamaha 55 help
You always discount the letter/s in the middle.
Therefore, s/n 663-594277 comes up as:
55 ML 663-580461 - 1985 Marathon
From here:
Mariner 40-55 hp, produktions?rslista, modellguide
Parts List:
55 HP - Mercury, Mercruiser, Force, etc. Parts Lookup
I don't think you will find that there is a compression release valve. There may be a problem with the Lower unit or the power head. You could drop the LU and then try a pull to see if it is normal, indicating you have a problem in the LU. If there is no change, I would remove the cover, item 33 under CRANKCASE AND CYLINDER HEAD and you will get a good look at the pistons for any scuffing and be able to test that the rings are free, using a screwdriver to see that when pressed, they spring back. If that is normal, then I would remove the cylinder head and you will be able to see how the cylinder walls look. Have you done a compression check yet?
Gerry