Compression question???

[brian91z28]

I would like to think that I know enough to be dangerous, but I am trying to sell my boat. Some guy came out tonight, and told me that compression was low... his testing theory was that when he rotated the "flywheel" he could feel by hand that I had compression that was low in one cylinder. The question I have is while rotating by hand can one actually feel a difference. Number two... how do the cyliders fire? Do they fire in a parade style, seqential, or do the fire 1&3, than 2? I tested the compression before I put the boat in the garage, By cranking for 3 seconds, I was able to get 117,117,118, was I doing this right, or should I only count one revolution before looking at the compression tester?
Thank you for all the advice that you can give


Brian

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Compression question???

You tested it right. You take compression on the highest reading you get. Doesn't matter how many revolutions much as long as it builds reasonably fast and you take the highest reading.
That guy was full of nonsense and was hoping you would cave in and offer him some kind of outrageous deal. You said you got 117, 117, and 118? Heck, that guy shoud be on "that's incredible"! I'm sure there's plenty of mechanics that could feel the flywheel and detect a badly low cylinder, but if you tested it and got those results, then that guy has really got some nerve to go griping about compression and doesn't even have a gauge with him.
Lastly, how does the motor run? If you had a cylinder out of balance enough for someone to feel it by hand, then it would idle like crap.
JMO,
JBJ

 

[captlee]

Re: Compression question???

Dont ya just hate people like that? You tested it correctly. Sounds like he was tryin to scare ya.
I had a guy like that recently, after spending over 2 hrs with him checking the compression, satisfying every question he had he was still saying... "I dont know, what if...." Finally I had to tell him... "maybe this boat isnt for you" and walk away.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Compression question???

Just had another thought------maybe one of your buddies was playing a prank on you! That sure sounds odd for someone to do that. Did you run it on the muffs for him or did he immediately go for the "flywheel test"? If I was going to buy a motor, I'd want to hear it run if I could.....
JBJ

 

[brian91z28]

Re: Compression question???

Thats the funny thing, I offered to let him hear it run, but he didnt want to. I have been a service manager in the automotive industry for a long time, and the stuff that this guy was trying to spew was kinda outrageous. I have a 16' lowe sea nymph with a ton of stuff on it, and the motor has a new powerhead in it as of 2001, I want $3500, is this too much? This guy kept nit picking... like seats have tears, boat has scratches, carpet is dirty, all I kept telling this guy was...Hey the boat is 14 years old, not 2, I did not advertise this thing as a new boat, its a "good" boat. Go to craigslist.org under madison wisconsin, and let me know if this is too much for this boat.

sale id #826654811



Thanks guys,

Brian

 

[clanton]

Re: Compression question???

That method of testing was used by Briggs/Strattion . maby he was a lawn mower tech. hehehe

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: Compression question???

You should have let him check his feel on the spark also.

 

[brian91z28]

Re: Compression question???

Thank you guys for all the replies, I am def. feeling better about keeping the price firm!!

 

[wbeaton]

Re: Compression question???

I just looked at your ad. Its a hell of a deal - at least where I live. I'd have asked $5000-5500 considering the package. Lots of gear on her. Of course, that's Canadian $.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Compression question???

excellant package, down here $3,000, edit your add and add the compression #'s i find that helps to attract attention here in the south.

 

[captlee]

Re: Compression question???

Nice boat, great motor, price seems about right, You have alot of stuff on there and its ready to fish. Lowest Id drop to is about 3200. Good luck

 

[brian91z28]

Re: Compression question???

Just for giggles, I brought home my compression guage, and I was suprised at the readings, Top cylinder 147, middle cylinder 148, and lower cylinder 147 Is this high?


Brian

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Compression question???

Just like a new motor.....THose are great compression numbers. I guess the ol' flywheel "feely thing" was a little inaccurate, eh?? I'll bet you sell your boat to the first SERIOUS person that looks at it. Looks very nice and well taken care of from what I can see...... someone's going to get a nice deal!
good luck,
JBJ

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Compression question???

I think your "potential buyer" was full of shall we say "nonsense" !!!!