To close this thread out in case anyone else runs through this same rabbit hole that I did, I decided to abandon this project. After doing some more research on Mercocil power heads, I learned that this is a constant problem with them. The cylinders are easily scored for multiple reasons. Rather than spend $800 knowing my odds of a repeat, I'm going to just resell this motor for the $100 I spent on it and keep my eyes peeled for a 90's Johnson/Evinrude, which was my original plan. I did get a good education on Mercury motors though. Thanks for all the help.
