'98 200hp Evinrude with low compression in 1 cylinder help!

[garym31]

I took my boat out last night for a fishing trip and on the way in the motor started making a loud knocking noise. It still runs fine even gets up to speed nice. I got it home checked compression and top left cylinder is around 70 the rest are all over 100. I pulled the head and its a MESS. The head is destroyed and the cylinder wall is scored and the piston is all beat up. It has oil and fuel and always ran and still does run well.

I know my options as far as new motor, new powerhead, and rebuild, but am wondering is it a good idea to replace the one piston?

I am capable of doing the work myself and just am curious can I resleeve the cylinder or hone? I have heard this is not all that uncommon and is just a tough luck ****ty situation.

Any words of help would be great.

Thanks!

 

[Dhadley]

Re: '98 200hp Evinrude with low compression in 1 cylinder help!

There will be a reason for it, it doesn't just happen out of the blue for no reason. Most likely all you'll need is to have it bored. Yes, you can replace one piston if - if - the other cylinders measure within spec.

 

[garym31]

Re: '98 200hp Evinrude with low compression in 1 cylinder help!

Other cylinders measure fine. I am curious should I get a new sleeve? whats the best course of action??? Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[Dhadley]

Re: '98 200hp Evinrude with low compression in 1 cylinder help!

Have your amchine shop lay out the cost differences. You're going to have to buy a new piston for that cylinder whether you bore it or sleeve it so that's a wash. I think you'll find the cost difference between simply boring and resleeving is quite substantial. Either way will be fine, it's really up to you.