compression test result

[ww2bar]

Looked at a 1996 200 johnson that i was looking to buy. Compression test showed 5 cylinders at 100 to 115. however top port was 70-75. Is it possible to be a head gasket or should i just forget about it. He was asking 2k for the engine. I didn't even bother to run the engine. Throttle was closed for the test on a cold engine. Any recommendations.

Walt

 

[JB]

Re: compression test result

Could be a head gasket. Could be carbon stuck rings.

Could be a badly $cored cylinder and tra$hed piston.

You did not run it, much less under load. Consider it a parts engine.

I would not pay $2K for it.

 

[reeldutch]

Re: compression test result

i totaly agree with JB

he should pop of the head and take a look see.
pass it up i would think.
at least for 2000 dollars.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: compression test result

Pop the head off and see what's there. It could be a gasket but if it's been lugging I'd bet it still has OE pistons and has a migrated dowel pin and the top ring is broke. If it has something other than Champion plugs it may have a corner of the piston burned off right by the exhaust port.

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: compression test result

Dhadley nailed it as these engines are bad about this, that why it is highly recommended that impeller is changed every year and water mod's done to block if it was every repaired.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: compression test result

I'm with JB.....parts motor.

 

[SparkieBoat]

Re: compression test result

I would keep shopping as well. I have seen many late model (95-03) engines for under $2500 that run great. I would test it on the water if possible as this really tells the story.