E140TLCO - one cyl low compression

sly_karma

Seaman
Joined
Aug 25, 2005
Messages
68
Looking at an 18.5' K&C fitted with a 1985 Evinrude 140 that has 70psi in one cyl (120 in 3 others). It also has a 2000 Yamaha hi-thrust 9.9 on it. Owner is asking $1250 for the kicker only, or $1600 takes the lot.

Basically the main engine can be a throwaway and I'd still be looking a decent hull (no bottom paint, average condition for mid80s boat), moorage cover and trailer for $350. The kicker is in good shape and he's asking a reasonable price for electric start 4 stroke in this market. I've got the go-ahead from the minister of war and finance for the purchase as a project boat. Next to decide whether to sell the 140 to a marine wrecker and re-power, or make it a project for the fall and winter.

This post is to ask about feasibility of powerhead re-build for me. I have basic proficiency with outboards, I've done water pump changes, starters, fuel pumps plus general maintenance and trouble shooting. I've done a head change on an automotive V8. This past spring I switched engines on a 14' boat with remote controls and wheel, as well as new steering system. I have a large shop with good lighting, heat and running water that's great for working on boats. I'm not afraid to ask questions and I would buy a factory service manual as step 1. Is a pwerhead change-out practical for someone with at my proficiency level or am I wasting time here? I doubt that money will be the issue here, I can guess that a refurbed powerhead and all the associated other stuff could likely run me the same as a used engine that already runs.
 

Monte1961

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
May 8, 2011
Messages
1,180
Re: E140TLCO - one cyl low compression

1. Sounds like a good deal to me.
2nd. Weather you rebuild or get used powerhead, the rebuild would then be a fresh motor with 0hrs on it and you will know what it is and gain valuable experience.
3rd. A factory manual is a necessity!
4th. what the hell, if the boss says go for it, what are you waiting on? Good luck and let us know what you decide! Good luck
 

jbjennings

Captain
Joined
Jul 18, 2007
Messages
3,903
Re: E140TLCO - one cyl low compression

I see you're from British Columbia.....
Has ths rig seen lots of salt water, or none. I personally would overlook the 140 for a rebiuld if it's been in salt water. You'll likely have all kinds of broken bolts and possibly highly corroded water jackets. If water intrusion was the cause of the low compression on the one cylinder, it may have ruined the crank and everything else.
JBJ
 

BonairII

Commander
Joined
Jun 7, 2011
Messages
2,727
Re: E140TLCO - one cyl low compression

Could just be a blown gasket causing the low compression on that cylinder. Sounds like a no brainer...buy it.
 

sly_karma

Seaman
Joined
Aug 25, 2005
Messages
68
Re: E140TLCO - one cyl low compression

Contacted the owner, offered to purchase for asking price. Local marine wrecker will give me $350 for the 140 - if I want to go that route - so assuming I can sell the kicker for the $1250, I own a hull and trailer for net zero dollars. I'll pull the heads first and see if a gasket is popped before deciding what to do. Repowering might make more sense but not as much fun! This boat isn't really big enough for the saltwater fishing places I like to go, it will be a fixer upper for resale, nice general purpose boat for the lake.
 

AEROCOOK

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 28, 2004
Messages
872
Re: E140TLCO - one cyl low compression

Contacted the owner, offered to purchase for asking price. Local marine wrecker will give me $350 for the 140 - if I want to go that route - so assuming I can sell the kicker for the $1250, I own a hull and trailer for net zero dollars. I'll pull the heads first and see if a gasket is popped before deciding what to do. Repowering might make more sense but not as much fun! This boat isn't really big enough for the saltwater fishing places I like to go, it will be a fixer upper for resale, nice general purpose boat for the lake.

Just pull the head off of the bank with low compression, you need to take the head off anyway to have a good look at the cylinder walls. I hope you find a bad head gasket, then it's a cheap fix. I think you can get more than $350 for that motor if you sell it on kijiji or craigslist and if you part it out you should do even better. Just to humor yourself, have a buddy call the wrecker that offered you $350 and ask for a lower unit for the same motor... I'm going to guess they want around $800. Then there's the power trim, starter motor, electronics, controls etc etc.
Thats my 3 cents worth.
 
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