Is this worth getting fixed?

[thunnus69]

A friend wants to give me (Free) a 1990's 50 hp merc off his boat. He told me two of the three cylinders have good compression but one of the cylinders is siezed. Since I'm new to boating I would probably need to get the work done at a shop. Is it worth doing and how much (approx.) would it cost. Or should I tell him thanks but no thanks. Is the engine worth taking for parts?? Not sure what to do, any help would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Joe

 

[mthieme]

Re: Is this worth getting fixed?

This is somewhat subjective.
For me, the answer would be yes.
I'm a little confused. You mention two of the cylinders has good compression and one is seized. Seized means doesn't spin. How was it determined that the other cylinders have good compression? Can you turn the flywheel at all?
Do you mean that one cylinder has low or no compression?
You can always take it a shop (or talk to them) for an estimate.
Taking it for parts, for you - no. For me - yes.

 

[thunnus69]

Re: Is this worth getting fixed?

Thanks mthieme. I plan to pick the motor up tomorrow and will try to diagnose it at my house. I know it doesn't make sense that one cylinder was seized and he got good compression out of the other two, not sure how he did this. I will pull on it tomorrow and post what I find.
-Joe

 

[ibanezjeepguy]

Re: Is this worth getting fixed?

free motor, rock & roll with it man, now is your chance to take it apart and fix it, assuming all the electrical stuff is good you just got left w/ the easy parts.
pull that piston... inspect it & the cyl. walls.... worst case.... need new piston/rings/ hone job & new bearings... but the labor is going to kill you more than the parts.... consider free, it may be worth it to you, me personally, I would work on it myself over the winter.
what year is it, I may be able to hook you up with a service guide.

 

[Don S]

Re: Is this worth getting fixed?

He probably thinks the one cylinder is siezed because there is no compression, or possibly because he can see the piston thru the plug hole and it doesn't move (broken rod). Either way, if you have the abilities, take it apart and see if it's repairable. It's free and only takes time to take apart.

 

[Dunaruna]

Re: Is this worth getting fixed?

Yep, dismantling an outboard sure beats watching the idiot box on weekends!

 

[thunnus69]

Re: Is this worth getting fixed?

Thanks everyone. I'm picking the engine up today and will post what I find.
-Joe