59 Johnson, Rings?

[imported_hippie]

Hi all, I am working on a 59 johnson Super Seahorse 35, i have noticed a bit of oil at the back where the valves would be along side of the plugs, I have been told I should consider replacing the rings? any input?

 

[JB]

Re: 59 Johnson, Rings?

Do a compression check, hippie.

Both cylinders should compress better than 80-90psi and be within 15% of one another.

Beware of advice from bystanders.

 

[Rick K]

Re: 59 Johnson, Rings?

Hippie,

Here's my take, and I am nowhere near the level of a lot of the members here. Run a compression check. Anything over 100 and both within 10% are considered good.

If you have one low cylinder, you might need to decarb (search for "decarb") which will clean that motor out.

If I recall, you had said at one point your motor sat for quite awhile. Get her going, run her in the water for awhile, and see how she does. You could have a leaky gasket or seal somewhere.

My '57 had one "bad" cylinder. Compression was 115/80. It was sticky rings on the low cylinder. A decarb fixed it, brought it up to like 108. I just dumped some Seafoam in the cylinder and left it sit for 2-3 days, drained it, then run it around the river. Fixed 'er right up.

Although you never know how a motor was maintained, one that sits for a long time or maintained marginally, could develop sticky rings, leaky gaskets, etc.

Mine ran like an unleashed beast once I got her going. Got rid of it because it was just too darn heavy for my little runabout.

Good luck
Rick

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 59 Johnson, Rings?

agree compression check, awakening a sleeping outboard, decarb. before you pull it apart.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 59 Johnson, Rings?

Are you talking about the compression relief valves? If so, that has nothing at all to do with the piston rings. If it's excessive it can indicate the valves are not seating correctly which will result in an overheated head and lower compression.

If it's not so bad, it could just be that the o-rings that go over the valve stems are dry and worn out.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 59 Johnson, Rings?

email me i'll send the links tell me awake, and decarb. so i send the right ones.
'tashasdaddy@comcast.net.'

 

[imported_hippie]

Re: 59 Johnson, Rings?

Are you talking about the compression relief valves? If so, that has nothing at all to do with the piston rings. If it's excessive it can indicate the valves are not seating correctly which will result in an overheated head and lower compression.

If it's not so bad, it could just be that the o-rings that go over the valve stems are dry and worn out.

Yes it is the relief valves, and yes there is quite a bit of oil there? I would say it is enough oil to make someone question why,,,,

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 59 Johnson, Rings?

Try turning the flywheel with the valves closed and listen closely for sounds of air escaping. Decarbing might clean them if they're leaking but if that doesn't work you'll want to pull the head and rebuild it.

It may even be obvious with the engine running if they're leaking slightly.

If that seems all ok, I wouldn't worry about it. The o-rings would be a fair bit of trouble to replace and if you can live with the bit of oil, then don't bother.