Suzuki 85hp rebuild in need?

[AlwaysTradinOutboards]

I've gotten the boat out and have began to check it out as it's time to hit the rivers. I seem to be faced with a tough question. For some it would be a no-brainer being tear it apart and rebuild it NOW. Here's my situation and a couple of questions. I have a 89' Cabrea 85hp with an Outboard Jet Unit which I believe is identical to the Suzuki DT85 engine? I have owned this boat for almost 2 years and have noticed a couple of things that I (being a newbie dummy) didn't pay much attention to when I purchased the motor. First of all when I purchased the motor I took it straight to a mechanic and had the oil injection removed. I also rebuilt all 3 carbs as they were very dirty from sitting for a couple of years. Here's where the bad stuff comes in. The compression readings are as follows Top-150PSI, Middle-105PSI, Bottom 145PSI. I know that's a pretty good difference in the middle cylinder which is not a good thing. Also it looks like the motor has been overheated as all 3 spark plug holes have the paint peeling with the middle cylinder being the worst. The engine waters good from the tell-tale. I really don't have the money to rebuild the motor right now and I'd like to get some fishing done this summer. The motor runs very well infact I had it out for a couple hours today and had no problems whatsoever. So should this thing be rebuilt immediately? If I were to pull the head to inspect the cylinders I assume I would have to re-install it with a new gasket? Do you think it could be ran like this all summer then rebuilt this winter assuming that it is functioning properly other than the low compression on the middle? I appreciate any and all replys. Thanks

 

[James R]

Re: Suzuki 85hp rebuild in need?

Your middle cylinder may have a stuck ring. A dose of SEA FOAM may cure this.
If it is not a stuck ring then pulling the head is the only way to check the serviceability.

 

[AlwaysTradinOutboards]

Re: Suzuki 85hp rebuild in need?

Thanks for the input. How should I go about the Sea-Foam idea. Should I spray some in the cylinder to soak it a bit then run some through with the fuel as you would in a decarb procedure? Thanks

 

[waffles1]

Re: Suzuki 85hp rebuild in need?

I had the same problem with the same motor. It was a stuck ring. They make a spray for outboards just for that purpose but I can't recall the product's name. You need to be carefull of what you spray on your cylinders so that you won't cause more damage. I would just add the recommended amount to your fuel and maybe there's someone in here who can help out with the product I described.

 

[AlwaysTradinOutboards]

Re: Suzuki 85hp rebuild in need?

Do you think it would hurt to soak the cylinder down with Deep Creep it's the aerosol version of Sea Foam? Maybe soak it real good with that and turn the motor by hand? I hope I can get this issue resolved as I don't want to ruin the powerhead or damage it further. Thanks

 

[AlwaysTradinOutboards]

Re: Suzuki 85hp rebuild in need?

I have a bit of new info that may help. I've been reading through the Clymer manual that I have for this motor for ideas. Per the manual instructions I put a little more than a teaspoon of oil in the middle cylinder then did the compression check and it came up nearly 10PSI. Would this be a symptom of a stuck ring or could it be a scored cylinder or something more serious? What would be the proper procedure and fluid to free a stuck ring? Thanks for any help or comments.