Broke ring (1994 90 hp force)

[EatMoreFish]

Well I broke a ring on number 2 cly. I have pulled the head and know that's what it is without a question.<br /><br />I got lucky I guess the cylinder did not get messed up.<br />I know motors and have done ring jobs on aircraft motors (had an Airboat) and cars so I figure how much harder can an outboard be??? I don't want to spend the 2k +- just because that is almost 2/3 the price of the same motor (1999 new in box).<br />I have got the book and it looks as simple (if you want to call it that) as splitting the case, remove, hone and replace.<br /><br />Any ideas why it would break a ring? I have had no other real problems out of it<br />Any tricks/tips I should know about?<br />Do rebuilds last on 2 strokes?

 

[Trent]

Re: Broke ring (1994 90 hp force)

How long did the engine sit up?? If it sat up awhile the ring could have rusted to the cylinder and when you tried to start it the ring broke. Iv seen this several times. When you put an outboard up for awhile..Fog them so the rings do not stick.

 

[EatMoreFish]

Re: Broke ring (1994 90 hp force)

It had not sat too long. I try to run it about every 2-3 weeks for about 30 mins even if I don't go out.<br />But you maybe right I am in good oh FLA home of 93% hummity or could of been some water in the gas

 

[steve forsythe]

Re: Broke ring (1994 90 hp force)

I have a 2000 merc. 200hp and it broke a ring also. I just put a remanufactured phead from merc. on it and want to know why the ring broke. Could water in the gas do that? What about running lean? What do i look for when i am breaking the new powerhead in to make sure the same problem is not still there??? Any help is appreciated!

 

[EatMoreFish]

Re: Broke ring (1994 90 hp force)

Humm got me thinking could someting of got hung in that carb starving it of gas and oil?<br />the cylinder did not look burnt

 

[trevorcday]

Re: Broke ring (1994 90 hp force)

Broken rings on the 3 cyl Force motors is really common. I'm not sure why they do it because I know we have rebuilt some where we know the owner took good care of them (good quality oil, no excessive reving etc.). They must just have a week piston design. Usually if they blow up due to a lean condition the piston crown will be melted. Sometimes flukey ignition timing can cause this too. You will be getting off very lucky if you don't need to have the motor re-bored. Don't buy new rings until you have the motor apart to confirm you don't need an oversize piston. We have had good luck rebuilding these engines. We have done at least 6 in the last year and I don't think any came back.<br /><br />As for the 200 Merc I currently have one apart that broke the rings on #3 and #4. It had a new powerhead installed only 6 months ago for the same reason so obviously the cause of the failure was not corrected. Flukey ignition timing I think.<br /><br />Good luck

 

[EatMoreFish]

Re: Broke ring (1994 90 hp force)

thanks for the help.<br /><br />I know on car car you can just drop the oil pan and get at the caps..<br />I assume there is no easy way to pull a piston without removing the powerhead and splitting the block ????<br />can you reach the caps by removing the intake?

 

[steve forsythe]

Re: Broke ring (1994 90 hp force)

Anybody else have 2 cents on this? What can be done about "flukey" ignition timing? Is that something that can be fixed? What about disconnecting the oil injection? Good or bad idea and will this help? Money not as big an issue as having a dam* boat that works ALL DAY!

 

[EatMoreFish]

Re: Broke ring (1994 90 hp force)

I really don't think mine was a timing problem (but I could be wrong). I think it was more like the ring was defective and it just picked that day to give out.

 

[Hooty]

Re: Broke ring (1994 90 hp force)

Where did all these busted rings wind up? Still in the ring grove?<br />On top of the piston?<br />Melted?<br />In the sock zone?<br /><br />c/6<br /><br />hooty

 

[trevorcday]

Re: Broke ring (1994 90 hp force)

First; to change the rings you do need to split the crankcase and remove the crank and pistons as an assembly.<br /><br />Usually when the ring breaks it takes out a chunk of the piston then pieces bounce around inside the combustion chamber until they find their way out the exhaust port. Occasionally a piece will make a hole in the cylinder head causing a water leak into the cylinder.<br /><br />I think on the Forces the problem is usually a weak ring or piston as you suspect Mr. Eatmorefish.

 

[EatMoreFish]

Re: Broke ring (1994 90 hp force)

With only the head off at this point it looks like still the rings are still in place. So i think I got lucky

 

[dmessy]

Re: Broke ring (1994 90 hp force)

I just rebuilt my 1996 Force 75hp due to a broken ring. The job is not too difficult and I suspect I had 30 hours total time involved in getting it done.<br />You'll need a manuel( borrowed one from the library)and a few special tools(ring compressor, feeler gauges, foot AND inch pound rated torque wrenches). Your local machine shop can do the bore and hone. I also just replaced 1 of 3 pistons(.030 over)on the advice of the wrenches on this board, and it runs GREAT. Follow the directions precisely, step by step,and use all new gaskets AND recommended sealers. Don't skimp or your'er in for trouble. Good luck.<br />PS- Mastertech site has the best prices for Force engine parts I found and I searched for a LONG time. Very pleased with thier service too.