Piston eaten up from ring, $3700 fix from Mechanic, Suggestions?

[wisdom6262]

I had what seemed to be a minor problem with my 1998 Evinrude 115 2stroke motor. Hard to start and rough idle, but was great above idle. <br /><br />Took to mechanic for check and tune-up, and found #1 cylinder eaten up by broken ring. Mechanic wants to replace PowerHead w/ rebuilt one that has warranty. Total cost for the job about $3700. <br /><br />Looking for any advice, I can probably manage the cost, but would like any advice from veteran boat owners. <br /><br />thanks for all the help<br />josh

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Piston eaten up from ring, $3700 fix from Mechanic, Suggestions?

if the crank and rods are reusable its a 1500 to 2000 dollar fix. less if you do the work. but 3700 is rather high for a cross flow V4. I just did a 98 115 crossflow and I think I spent 1900 dollars including all recic valves. all bearings 4 pistons a VRO conversion kit to add oil injection and a gear set for the lower. about everthing in it is new or reconditioned. but I could have cut a few corners. of couse I may have done a few so its no big deal but anyone with average ability and the ability to read and follow directions before wrenching can do it. esp if its not a saltwater version. the 97-98 crossflow pistons, in my opinion, are an engineering flaw. if you look at the ring locating pin you will see that for several years it had been moved from the bottom of the groove to the top. most all failed before 500 hours. the ring would walk right around the pin. there may be some with a differing opinion but mine is based on 30-40 motors, some failed at 100 hours and OMC would not help. I no longer use the OMC/BRP pistons in crossflows . wont until the pin gets moved back. <br /> but in anycase the cause of the failure must be corrected or it will fail again.

 

[wisdom6262]

Re: Piston eaten up from ring, $3700 fix from Mechanic, Suggestions?

thanks alot for the advice, I'm waiting on my insurance company to get back to me and see about them covering it. <br /><br />I might try tackling it myself, i have experience with car engines. So I will be doing some research on part costs. <br /><br />Also Rodbolt, you said you added VRO, is VRO superior to premix? <br /><br />thanks for the help