Compression Test

Boat Junkie

Cadet
Joined
Dec 21, 2009
Messages
7
I have a 6hp Mercury serial number 2468225. I performed a compression test and the top piston 80psi botton piston 78psi. Is this good compression?
 

crem1

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 30, 2005
Messages
365
Re: Compression Test

It could be better but the wear and tear on it is evenly distributed(a good sign)
 

trendsetter240

Lieutenant
Joined
Jun 22, 2009
Messages
1,458
Re: Compression Test

Seems fine to me. Pull start motors generaly have lower compression readings than average. The most important thing, as noted above, is that the readings are within 10% on each cylinder.
 

Boat Junkie

Cadet
Joined
Dec 21, 2009
Messages
7
Re: Compression Test

Thanks alot, I want to buy this engine but didnt want to buy someone elses problem. I guess when you buy used, it was someone elses problem.
 

turtles11756

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Dec 5, 2007
Messages
260
Re: Compression Test

my 1969 7.5 hp merc motor shows 129psi top cylinder and 131psi on the bottom
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: Compression Test

From what I've read, many of the gauges aren't real accurate as far as the numbers they return go but still useful for measuring the differences between the cylinders. With yours being so close I wouldn't worry about it.
 

mke039

Seaman
Joined
Jan 4, 2010
Messages
69
Re: Compression Test

Did you have the throttle held open when cranking? I just did a test on my inline 6 without opening the throttle and had low numbers like you, but all were within a percent or two of the others. I am calling it good for now. After my rebuild (not including pistons and rings) I will perform the test again with throttle open.
Do you have that cheap Actron gauge? I do and that may be an issue too.
 

mke039

Seaman
Joined
Jan 4, 2010
Messages
69
Re: Compression Test

Nutter thing..did you have the plugs in or out?. I did mine one at a time with all other plugs in and got consistant low readings. I plan to pull them all next time, with W/O throttle and see if I can get higher compressions.
 

lckstckn2smknbrls

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Sep 18, 2008
Messages
1,114
Re: Compression Test

You have to have all of the spark plugs removed and you have to pull the rope about 6 times per cylinder. If you do a decarb on the engine you may get a higher reading. I might pass on anything with readings under 100 psi.
 
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