Motor won’t start. Low compression

[Bosunsmate]

Haha F_Rs opinion definitely is a worthy one.
But ive seen them worse and still able to be recovered if you can spray like a whole can of wd40 in there. Even run the starter while spraying some in the top carb you can well save it but time is of the essence.
You want to get the lubricant/rust protection to the bearings which are behind that piston

 

[F_R]

Yes, it has been done many times, and some have gotten lucky. On the flip side of the coin, how many times have I seen it--slap in a new gasket, dump it full of WD-40, get it running and sell it to some sucker. Not that anybody here would stoop that low, but P.T. Barnum was right.

 

[interalian]

Yeah, top cylinder has been sucking water. That'll also wash the piston top and the head pocket.

For the carb piece, that little clip pulls the pin out of the seat since the rubber (Viton actually) can bind in the hole. When this happens you get zero fuel to the affected cylinder.

Per above, have a look at the exhaust cover (pic maybe) and see if the paint is discoloured. That's usually a good sign of a serious overheat.

 

[CeeJ1791]

Yes, it has been done many times, and some have gotten lucky. On the flip side of the coin, how many times have I seen it--slap in a new gasket, dump it full of WD-40, get it running and sell it to some sucker. Not that anybody here would stoop that low, but P.T. Barnum was right.

Pretty sure I was that sucker... thanks all for the advice, I can’t afford to scrap it and start over quite yet so I’ll get some WD-40 and hope for the best. I’ve got a family vaca coming up next week, I guess I’ll stay within trolling distance just in case... any other parting advice?

 

[F_R]

Enjoy your vacation, and pray. Seriously, have fun, whatever happens.

 

[CeeJ1791]

Will I need any sort of OMC gasket sealer for the water jacket and head gasket? If so is there a substitute I can pick up at any auto shop? The service manual doesn’t make any mention of it but some YouTube videos have.

 

[Bosunsmate]

Haha yes enjoy, the joys of taking a risk

 

[Bosunsmate]

Will I need any sort of OMC gasket sealer for the water jacket and head gasket? If so is there a substitute I can pick up at any auto shop? The service manual doesn’t make any mention of it but some YouTube videos have.

Nope you should be fine, but plane them on a sheet of glass or a mirror with light wet sandpaper until its all shiny. The bits that take the longest to get shiny a the high bits. Its likely to of warped a bit and this will fix it flat again.
Make sure everything is clean, cleanliness is of absolute importance

 

[Rustywrench]

NAPA sells Permatex Aviation cement. Basically the same as OMC gasket sealing compound. You can use it on any gasket, bolt threads. Head bolt torque is 20 ft lbs. Start in the center & circle out. I use three steps. 10 lbs, 15, & then 20. Run motor till warmed up, let cool & retorque to 20. Engine oil is fine to put in the cylinders, just get it done! Time/rust is happening. Wishing you the best.

 

[CeeJ1791]

Per above, have a look at the exhaust cover (pic maybe) and see if the paint is discoloured. That's usually a good sign of a serious overheat.

Exhaust cover looks good. No signs of discoloration. I tested the thermostat and this is in working order.

 

[interalian]

No gasket sealer on the head gasket. Orientation is critical.

 

[CeeJ1791]

No gasket sealer on the head gasket. Orientation is critical.

What do you mean by orientation is critical?

 

[interalian]

Just observe any text showing orientation. I may have mixed this thread with another.

 

[CeeJ1791]

Just observe any text showing orientation. I may have mixed this thread with another.

Thanks for the tip, I’ll be extra careful when installing

can use a wire brush to clean up the head or will that scratch up the metal? I’ve got some extra carb cleaner as well from the last project can I use this as well for some cleaning?

 

[Bosunsmate]

Thanks for the tip, I’ll be extra careful when installing

can use a wire brush to clean up the head or will that scratch up the metal? I’ve got some extra carb cleaner as well from the last project can I use this as well for some cleaning?

No way. Put it on a mirror or glass covered in light sandpaper and move in a figure 8 pattern until all high spots a shiny, that takes care of warpage and increases compression, minimises chance of leakage too.
Putting a straight edge across the crankcase mating surface is a good thing to do but ive never seen one of those go warped