British Seagull Silver Century acceptable compression

[todd281]

I just came into this Silver Century and have a few questions about it. It is mostly intact but is missing the carburetor . Before I purchase one and have it shipped from overseas, I would like to know if it is salvageable. I did a compression check, and came up with 50-60 lbs. [keep in mind that with the big 18mm plug my regular screw in compression gauge would not work. I had to resort to a hold on/in the plug hole type while turning the flywheel with a cordless drill and socket.] I did the test a few times but do not have the greatest faith in those type of compression testers. So whats the call? enough compression to run? {just get my hands on a carburetor] or not good enough and part it out? The rest of the Motor is in good shape, good spark.

 

[Scott Danforth]

60psi is a rebuilder

 

[todd281]

So just buy a carburetor, or rings and head gasket ?

 

[Scott Danforth]

or bore and hone and new pistons.......

my guess is someone didnt like the way it smoked and ran it on 50:1 vs 25:1 and now it is in need of a rebuild.

consider it a project or consider it wall art until you get it, tear it apart and restore it. I seriously doubt it would be a put a carb on and run motor

 

[todd281]

thanks for the advice, how much compression would be acceptable?

 

[F_R]

I've never seen a Sea Gull that wouldn't run. Well maybe being missing a carb might do it. I'm betting your 60 PSI is fine.