Can I rebuild it?

[dsujen]

I have a running j90tlcur 90hp 1987 johnson with a scuffed cylinder and low compression on that cylinder. How hard is it to rebuild myself? How much will it cost to do it myself? Is it worth doing? I'm pretty handy in the garage and have many tools.

 

[flyingscott]

Yes you could do it yourself not hard I would recommend going to the library find the manual and read up on it. Lot of vids on youtube about that subject check it out. Cost will depend on the damage and amount of machine work and parts needed. All it takes money and time if you tackle doing this be patient rushing will get you nowhere also buy the factory manual before you start.

 

[gm280]

Answer to your question is yes and no. Yes if you can simply hone the bad cylinder and install new rings, No, if that cylinder needs bored and a new piston and rings. Unless you have the right machining equipment to center a proper cutter mated to bore perfectly straight down the centerline of the cylinder, you will have to take it to a machine shop to have such work done. But disassembly and reassembly you can do with a good shop manual as your reference... JMHO!

 

[racerone]

In my opinion it is easy to do.--------You will end up with a smooth running , simple , cheap to maintain motor after doing the work.-----Use 4 WISECO pistons O/S to get away from the common ring failure.------Do not forget to determine the failure mode or you will do the job again !!!!-------Inspect and pressure test lower unit too.

 

[johnson89]

I did my 89,90 hp last year....spent about 900.00 on parts and machine work...I had all 4 cyl. bored 20 over....I replaced pistons,rings,bearing,rebuilt carbs, new water pump,I bought a complete rebuild kit,,,do a lot of reading before taking anything apart....I took my time and spent about 2 weeks putting it back together and it is running strong.....(.mine had a busted ring on cyl. 3 was the reason for my rebuild)

 

[emdsapmgr]

You can do just the bad cylinder only. Even bore out just that cyl, if needed. If you do just one piston, you will have to stay with another Bombardier piston, so they all match. Make sure you put 4 new ringsets in during the overhaul. If there is some piston aluminum transferred onto the cyl liner, you can dissolve it with some muratic acid. Then hone all 4 cyls. You will want to know the reason for the failure. Overheat, or lack of fuel. I'd be pulling the carb apart to autopsy the jets for that bad cyl. Also, check the rubber water diverters by each cyl in the block...