Compression??? 1977 Evinrude 6 hp

seanymphken

Cadet
Joined
Apr 17, 2008
Messages
9
I just purchased a 1977 evinrude 6 hp, model # 6705M. It starts and runs. I noticed alot of carbon inside the combustion chamber when I pulled the spark plugs to inspect them. I went ahead and pulled the head off and cleaned all the carbon from the head and top of the piston. I then put some ChemTool on top of each piston to let soak down through piston rings to see if I could maybe free up some carbon there too ( all day soaking). Reassembled and checked comression. Readings are #65 on both cylinders, same as before I started cleaning. Does anyone know what a bare minimum compression reading is for this motor and if this motor is worth going any further with? Also any ideas on how I can get more compression?
 

HighTrim

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
10,486
Re: Compression??? 1977 Evinrude 6 hp

Welcome to iboats.

The difference between cylinders is what is important. The results can vary depending on the type of gauge, temp when test was taken, etc...

Seafoam is a tried and tested product used for marine application for decarbing. It is known to increase compression. Check the FAQ for the procedure.

seafoam.jpg
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: Compression??? 1977 Evinrude 6 hp

Decarb, take a can of seafoam put 3/4 of it in the gas tank, with only 1 gallon of premixed gas. put the rest in a spray bottle. start the engine, and let it come up to temperature. then remove plugs, and them some real good shot of seafoam into the cylinders, replace plugs, let sit 15 minutes. restart, and spray the rest of the seafoam into the carbs, so the the motor almost stalls, wait and repeat until the seafoam is gone.then take for a wide open spin. then put in new plugs, ad premixed gas to the tank, and take it for a wide open throttle spin. it is going to smoke like a house on fire, during this process.

afterwards compression.recheck
 

seanymphken

Cadet
Joined
Apr 17, 2008
Messages
9
Re: Compression??? 1977 Evinrude 6 hp

Do you think at #65 on both cylinders is ok ? What is the lowest compression reading you can have on a motor like this before it causes problems ?
 

CATransplant

Admiral
Joined
Feb 26, 2005
Messages
6,319
Re: Compression??? 1977 Evinrude 6 hp

Check your compression with another guage. Compression guages aren't always accurate. In any case, if the engine starts easily and runs well, then its compression is good enough. It's more important that the two cylinders be close to each other in compression.

A good decarb, as described above, might raise your compression a little, but if your 6hp is running well...it's fine.
 

wildmaninal

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Jul 14, 2007
Messages
1,897
Re: Compression??? 1977 Evinrude 6 hp

It sounds more like a concern of engine performance then compression. I agree with the other guys when they said if it runs well leave it alone.

But if you are experiencing less power/performance then what you have experienced with that same motor then as TD said a good decarb would be the way to go. Not only will it smoke but it can get kind of messy so if you store it in a building or whatever then it will possibly drip black carbon on the floor after a good decarb.

After decarbing my motor and running it in a barrel my engine's foot looked like it was dunked in burnt motor oil.
 

Joe Reeves

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 24, 2002
Messages
13,262
Re: Compression??? 1977 Evinrude 6 hp

Compression of those small engines depends on the speed of rotation one can acquire. Cranking via the manual starter vs installing a rope around the flywheel and giving it a hefty pull might result in a higher reading.
 

Whoopbass

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 29, 2006
Messages
653
Re: Compression??? 1977 Evinrude 6 hp

I've been buying and reselling smaller outboards for the past year and it seems all these used small outboards between 2-6 hp have a compression reading between 60-80 lbs. Your motor is fine.
When you get around 10 hp the compression should be around 100+lbs.
 

seanymphken

Cadet
Joined
Apr 17, 2008
Messages
9
Re: Compression??? 1977 Evinrude 6 hp

Thanks Whoopbass thats the answer I was looking for. Everyones replys are really helpful and worth trying. Its a relief to know this motor is still worth continuing on and fixin up. This forum is awesome and thanks for all the help. Take care and good boating.
 

Fire Power

Recruit
Joined
Jul 23, 2008
Messages
3
Re: Compression??? 1977 Evinrude 6 hp

Does anyone know how to check out the fuel pump on a 78 Evinrude 6?
 

HighTrim

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
10,486
Re: Compression??? 1977 Evinrude 6 hp

Firepower, welcome to iboats.

Start yourself a new thread.
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: Compression??? 1977 Evinrude 6 hp

Compression tests are a diagnostic tool to find out if there is ONE cylinder that has failed. That is why the spec is the differences between cylinders.

The likelihood that both (or all) cylinders would fail the same amount at the same time is just about zero.

The fascination with psi comes from, and is valid only for, 4 stroke engines because valve sealing is critical. 2 strokes don't have valves.
 

Fire Power

Recruit
Joined
Jul 23, 2008
Messages
3
Re: Compression??? 1977 Evinrude 6 hp

Thanks for the welcome High Trim. I cant figure out how to start a thread. New to this.
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: Compression??? 1977 Evinrude 6 hp

Firepower,

Select the correct forum for your topic. In the upper left area is an icon for "Create new post". Click there.

Good luck. :)
 
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