115 johnson low compression one cylinder

Bonanza79

Cadet
Joined
May 9, 2009
Messages
12
I have 115 johnson that I thought I had brought back to life until I took it out on the water and found out that cards needed to be rebuilt. I have already put 4 new coils two powerpacks and a new starter on the motor and like a dummy got a compression gague last.I know I am learning I put the cart before the horse. I now have found that I have 90 lbs on three cylinders and only 40 or 50 on one. My question is is it worth ripping the heads off and trying to rering the motor if there is not too much damage or should I just cut my losses and buy a good used motor. The lower unit is in great shape on mine no grinding going into gear and the fluid looked good when I changed it. Any help would be greatly appreciated
 

iwombat

Captain
Joined
Jul 12, 2006
Messages
3,767
Re: 115 johnson low compression one cylinder

Generally, a ring job won't bring one back. When they fail, they usually fail catastrophically. Pull the heads and see what's going on in there. It's an easy job.

You could just have some stuck rings, in which case a decarb would do wonders. Blown head gasket is another possibility. With those kind of numbers a peek is in order.
 

Bonanza79

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Joined
May 9, 2009
Messages
12
Re: 115 johnson low compression one cylinder

Thank you very much for that advice I am going to pull the heads and see whats going on tonight
 
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