Rebuild help

[littlemess]

I could use some input concerning our rebuild project. We have a 1977 Johnson 55 hp. (55EL77). It started and would idle well, however number 1 was producing 150 psi while number 2 was 120 psi. My son and I pulled the powerhead. The number 2 cylinder looked good. some very minor almost undetectable scoring. We honed the cylinders with a flex hone and put on new rings(standard size). This is our first time doing it. It all seemed to go very well. It's all back together. But the new rings are so tight the starter can't turn the flywheel fast enough to turn it over. Is this normal. I'm hoping we can somehow get it started enough to seat the rings. any input or ideas?
Thanks.

Steve

 

[Daviet]

Re: Rebuild help

Will it turn over by hand fairly easy, maybe you have a starter or electrical problem.

 

[Al-53]

Re: Rebuild help

also did u pre lube the bore....to reduce any friction....even if lubed to set the piston in....it should be lubed again before firing it up to reduce the chance of a dry start....years ago we use a light oil to mount the piston on a motorcycle...and used a thinned out STP mix to use for start up...

but yes make sure the battery is good and charged also and the starter is working properly....all connections cleaned positives and grounds


Al

 

[littlemess]

Re: Rebuild help

I have no reason to believe there are any issues with the starter it was working fine before we put the new rings in. Also, we did lube the cylinders.

 

[littlemess]

Re: Rebuild help

Yes. It can be turned by hand, but it is very stiff.

 

[bigrockets]

Re: Rebuild help

Is there a specification for the piston ring gap in the manual? Many times the rings have to be fitted to the piston, the gap checked and if the gap is too small you have to grind the ends of the gap to get the proper gap clearance. Are you sure they are the correct rings? Sounds like the piston ring gaps need to be adjusted or they are not the correct rings.

 

[littlemess]

Re: Rebuild help

Bigrockets. Thanks for the advice. I guess the only thing to do is take it apart and have a look. A local guy told me to put the rings into the cylinders (without the pistons) and see if the rings maintain a gap as you push them into the cylinders.