To ring or not to ring

[fnracing]

1995 Evinrude 115hp 90* V4. Compression on stbd side #1 130, #3 130. Compression on port side #2 100, #4 120. A buddy overheated and you can see discoloration on #2 cylinder where compression is lowest. QUESTION: Would you replace rings on all 4 cylinders while you're there, or only on low port side? Pulling engine to fix other issues, but in a quandary on the rings.... Opinions? Thanks...

 

[Faztbullet]

Better put new pistons in it as the ring locating pins may have moved when overheated.....

 

[emdsapmgr]

Do all 4 ringsets as new. No point in putting one new ringset in and still be running with 3 old sets. When one of the three old sets finally gives up and requires a second overhaul, you will be kicking yourself.

 

[jakedaawg]

I'd check the bore. Hone, new pistons and rings. You are all ready there. Why worry about a few bucks when your gonna have so much time in it. Do it all the way once and save the expense of doing it again.

 

[racerone]

No point in putting a new ring into a worn ring groove.----Install new pistons !!

 

[jbuote]

I may be new to outboards, but not engines as a whole.
​I echo and agree with all previous posts.

You're going to pull the engine anyway for another issue, so might as well do a proper overhaul at this point.
Check bore, honing, new pistons, rings, the whole thing.

Make it new again and don't have any lingering questions as to "What if...."

My $0.02

 

[fnracing]

Thanks for the feedback everyone.