1967 950 SS/ poss ring and cylinder damage

[caneyforkoutfitters]

Hi all!

I purchased a 1967 950 SS w/ thunderbolt ignition; The engine was rebuilt and completely restored per the previous owner; the engine looks emaculate! The motor has been in storage for several years and the reason for him selling it was he damaged the engine due to running it w/o adding 2 cycle oil. According to both he and his father the tank was topped off(about a half tank)and they forgot to add oil. they ran for around 15-20min and then the engine began to rattle. They slowed her down and took her back to the ramp and the engine has not been run since(2-3years). He was going to repair it himself but was talked out of it by his father. His father rebuilt a similar engine many years ago and just didn't want to tackle the project. He seems to think the engine is salvagable for any one who wants to tackle the difficulty. He believes honing the cylinders and replacing the rings would be most of what it takes.

The temptation of starting it up to see if it still ran was removed because a mouse had chewed thru 2 of the spark plug wires(LOL). Again all else looks great from the outside. The engine compartment is very clean and looks as if she was well cared for. My question is two-fold:

1. Since I don't have dealer tools will I be better served by purchasing a after market manual ie Seloc; any suggestions?

2. Once I begin to disassemble, what should I focus my attention to initially? My fear was a thrown rod and possible damage to the block, outside inspection of the block looks promising; but I won't know until I visually inspect the inside. Any thoughts or suggestions would be very helpful before I tackle this.

BTW I only paid $100 for the engine. Parting it out would be another option if the damage is to extensive. Thanks for suffering thru my wind bag post!

Rod

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: 1967 950 SS/ poss ring and cylinder damage

It may well live... clean any aluminum off the walls with muriatic acid and Q-tips. It shares pistons with the Merc 1000 - that helps to find parts.

-W

 

[Sig_Mech]

Re: 1967 950 SS/ poss ring and cylinder damage

Hey Caney, first off I would advise you to get the original shop manual for your motor. The aftermarkets are ok but the are not very specific. Secondly I will tell you that you might get lucky or you might be hosed. With a 2 cycle engine the oil mixed with the gas is also used to lubricate the connecting rod bearings, the crank bearings and any seals in the engines crankcase. Running with a loss of oil or even a reduction in oil will cause these parts to overheat and possibly fail. Don't be fooled by the outside appearance of the engine, it has no relation on how well the inside was taken care of.
Do a visual inspection of the inside and while you're at it check all your clearances and tolerances. If your going to replace the rings then you should also replace your connecting rod bearings.
I can't tell you whether to fix it or part it out, that is a decision you will have to make after doing an internal inspection and checking on repair costs.
Good luck.

 

[caneyforkoutfitters]

Re: 1967 950 SS/ poss ring and cylinder damage

Clams & Sig,

Thanks for the advice, I'll order the mercury manual this weekend, and keep all that you have said in mind. I know it's a roll of the dice and won't know the extent of the damage until I open her up. But it's a chance I'm willing to take for $100. Parting her out should make that back and more. On the other hand, if I can make the ol' beast roar at a reasonable cost(thats relative), I will have saved a load of cash and can run down the lake in style

My last motive for taking on this engine is to give me a project to do with my boys. I think they will really enjoy tearing this thing down and then trying to make her run. It'll be an adventure either way. Thanks again!

Rod

 

[diaric]

Re: 1967 950 SS/ poss ring and cylinder damage

good deal. good luck and have fun