dead cylinder

[JV1964]

I have a 98 mariner 90 HP. A week ago while on the water I noticed a loss of power. After checking it I found that the #3 cylinder is dead. At times it will kick in and run fine then just as quickly it will die again. There is no knocking coming from the engine and the only other thing is that it is now hard to start when cold. She starts right up when warm and again the cylinder will kick in and out. Is this a ring problem or maybe a sticky valve. Am i right in assuming that the engine will have to be broken down. Thank you for any assistance.

 

[MikeV4]

Re: dead cylinder

Have you checked the sparks on the plugs?

 

[JV1964]

Re: dead cylinder

no MIkeV4. I have to say that i have not checked for spark at the plugs.. I did see spark at the spark wire. but I did not take the plug out and check that. I just assumed that it would have spark since I recently changed the plugs and are less than 3 months old. I will however check the spark at the plug.

 

[JV1964]

Re: dead cylinder

I checked the spark at the plugs...all is good..had a friend of mine who know a little about outboards...he is telling me that water is getting into that cylinder...