1988 88 HP evinrude compression

88olympic

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Early this summer I was heading out of the marina and a plug fouled. took them out and found one had no gap at all, (it was running fine before that) we thought that maybe a big piece of carbon broke loose or something. Re-gapped it and it ran fine all summer. Before putting it away for winter I decided to test the compression, that cylinder had 105lbs., the others had 110, 115 and 120. the manual says that it should not have a difference of more than 5 lbs. Other people have told me carbon would not have done that. I used engine tuner to clean it out. It seems to run fine, hate to tear it down when it runs fine but I don't want it to blow up on me when fishing or crabbing with grandkids either. Has anybody heard of this before and is there any reason for me to be worried? I would think if a ring broke it would take out some piston too, and run worse than it does. I put a lot miles on it since the plug incident. ANY IDEAS?:confused:
 

wilde1j

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Re: 1988 88 HP evinrude compression

Compression within 10% of each other is OK. Clearly, something (not carbon) caused the gap to close (part of a bearing, piston skirt, etc., or something metallalic got in thru the induction system). May or may not be a real problem. If the gap closure happens again, something internal is letting go and will probably necessitate a teardown.

I had this happen a long time ago on a 135HP , and a failed lower main bearing eventually seized and caused a rebuild, by wrecking a bunch of stuff. If I had read the tea leaves better, the repair would have been way less. I was in for a new crank, pistons, rings, etc. as it turned out. The only good thing was I got all the parts at dealer cost, or the motor would have been a throwaway.
 

James R

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Re: 1988 88 HP evinrude compression

Doesn't cost much to replace the head gasket and removal of the head may provide you with good information as to the condition of the motor before something really lets go.
 

88olympic

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Re: 1988 88 HP evinrude compression

Thanks for the quick answers, this is a great forum. I agree that something made the plug short out. Hate to think what it might be. I was wondering what I would be able to see if I remove the head? I looked thru the plug hole and from what I can see the top of the piston looks just like the other meaning no scratches or dents. I looked in with a bore light. I really appreciate the help.
 
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wilde1j

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Re: 1988 88 HP evinrude compression

Pulling the head probably won't tell anything, since the compression numbers are OK. The metal likely came from down inside (piston skirt, etc.) rather than rings. If it happens again, I'd consider a teardown.
 

88olympic

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Re: 1988 88 HP evinrude compression

Thanks alot, I really appreciate it, Mark.
 
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