1996 Force 90, bad compression

[biederboat]

Hey everyone, I picked up a boat that had this motor. It was purchased knowing the motor was bad. I'm trying to figure out if I should attempt repairing the motor or just wait for the new 4-stroke in about a year. The top and bottom cylinders have good compression, about 140, the middle one only 25. It was frozen when I first got it but managed to loosen it up by squiting oil into the cyls and wrapping on the flywheel. It doens't make any bad noises when turning over. Also, it looked like two of the plugs had water/rust on them when removed, the other one looked fine. My basic questions are:

1. What in the cylinders, bad gasket? Or is there other likely causes? I don't think block is cracked as the other cylinder with water in it likely wouldn't have had bad compression.

2. If it's just a bad gasked, it it likely that the damage could be repaired by pulling the power head off, remove bad cylinder, hone, replace rings gaskets or will it likely required boring out and a new cylinder?

3. How's the market for basket-case Forces like this? Any idea what it would be worth? It does have power tilt/trim.

Thanks,
Biederboat

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: 1996 Force 90, bad compression

Remove the head and see what you have. Maybe it just needs a new head gasket. My advice regarding how to proceed would depend on the condition of all three cylinders. You could have significant damage and still get good compression, or little damage and have lousy compression. Parting it out on eBay might yield more than it's worth if it needs an overhaul. People are always looking for gearcases, trim units, ignition components, etc.

 

[biederboat]

Re: 1996 Force 90, bad compression

Hmmm, I never thought about that. It's worth a shot.

Thanks,
Biederboat