60 hp Merc. Low compression top cylinder of 3

[trucku]

Hi,

I am new to the site and had a question.
I am new to the boat scene also.

I am interested in a boat in my area and the engine is listed as:
(60 hp Merc. Low compression top cylinder of 3)
I spoke to the owner and he said the engine is 1986-88.
He also said it does not run.

I thought low compression would not totally stop the engine. I don't have his compression results. But generally will an engine still run if one cylinder went dead? He said you couldn't run it or it might blow up....I have no idea what that meant. I am also wondering if I could just rebuild the engine as easy as a 4 stroke?
I don't know much about 2 strokes so any help would help.

Thanks in advance for any help or a point in the right direction.

 

[j_martin]

Re: 60 hp Merc. Low compression top cylinder of 3

Low compression usually means that something is wrong with a piston. If something is wrong with a piston, and you run it, it would probably break up and totally ruin the engine.

Odd's are, that's already done to this engine, and it probably isn't worth a rebuild unless you can do it yourself.

I bought a used car that "only needed a starter motor" once......Just once.

hope it helps
John

 

[trucku]

Re: 60 hp Merc. Low compression top cylinder of 3

Thanks for the advice.

So i guess his add that said low compression probably should say "i killed it"...lol

I have been searching around for the same hp motor and they are very expensive. I never knew an outboard motor would be so much money used.

 

[jebeebe]

Re: 60 hp Merc. Low compression top cylinder of 3

HI,

I rebuilt an 88' 60hp tilt and trim with the same problem and it came out good. I had never rebuilt an outboard either. Had a brother in law help who had been a gm mechanic years ago and new some basics. It had the top cylinder blown. The piston had most of the rings "gone" and what little was left was welded in the grooves. I took it to a machine shop and for $40 or such he honed it and it wasn't as bad as it looked. He said most of it was on the surface and honed out except for a fine scratch. He said it would go standard so I ordered 3 new pistons and rings.($300). I had around $500 in it when I got done. (starter selenoid, fuel pump kit, starter gear, water pump, hoses and carb cleaning) Runs like a fine watch. This might show you how it could go. Doesn't mean it will................good luck.............Jerry

 

[trucku]

Re: 60 hp Merc. Low compression top cylinder of 3

I am hoping its just something like that. I will take the time and rebuild it. $500 would be far cheaper than the cheapest motor i have seen so far.

I think that will be the best path if this motor is not destroyed in some manner. This weekend I plan to head out and see the boat.


It would all definitely be worth going into it $500 or so. I am fearful of cheap motors out there. I don't want to buy more problems then have 2 motors that are useless.


Thanks for the advice
Vishant