Low compression on half of V8

[rsymes2k]

Hi all,

My first post on here! I've just bought another boat (1990 Arriva 2050).

The exact description i've had of the engine in it is...

Left bank of the V8 has low compression & it cut out as they were using it.

I'm picking it up next Saturday but just wanted to grab some ideas of what could cause the whole left side to get low compression? Head gasket?

Thanks in advance!
Rob

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Low compression on half of V8

Welcome to Iboats!

Strange that a head gasket would go on all 4 cylinders of that side but i guess its possible.Could be a severely warped head too....
Usually the gaskets go between 2 cylinders..
Pulling the head should tell the story..

I think before i put any money in the sellers hands i would do my own compression test and look for signs of over heat..Usually the rubber hoses on the exhaust manifolds will show if it was run hot...they will blister or look distorted.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Low compression on half of V8

Post the numbers......

 

[Bondo]

Re: Low compression on half of V8

Ayuh,... What motor by Whom would be Nice too...

 

[rsymes2k]

Re: Low compression on half of V8

hey guys, cheers for the help.

it's a mercruiser v8 (not sure the engine size), alpha one leg

I got the boat raaather cheap and I love the line on the Arriva boats, even if I have to shove a new V8 in im not overly bothered, would rather fix what's in it though...

My dad is pretty good with marine engines and i've spent a good while fixing car engines in the past, so hopefully we should be able to at least diagnose it!

I'm picking the boat up on Saturday - i'll get all of the details for then but any speculative posts would be really appreciated!!

 

[wca_tim]

Re: Low compression on half of V8

rusty or otherwise comprimised exhaust valves, cylinders or the like from water intrusion? as in from leaking manifold / riser gasket or small crack in manifold or riser? each side has the exhaust in common...

As mentioned above, I would want to do my own compression test...