water in lower cylinder

[LAndrus]

Johnson 65ESL73R motor

Motor was seized. Top spark plugs look fine, the lower appeared to be rusty. Soaked in in Marvel Mystery oil for a week and then got it free. Hooked it up to a battery and tried to fire it up. It would start but not stay running. Pulled the plugs and sure enough the bottom plug appeared to be water soaked. Spun the motor and clouds of water came out of the lower cylinder. Is it safe to assume that the head gasket is blown around the lower cylinder allowing water to enter or is something more sinister happening?

 

[boobie]

Re: water in lower cylinder

Head gasket or exhaust side cover gaskets.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: water in lower cylinder

+1 ^^^

 

[LAndrus]

Re: water in lower cylinder

which would you suggest I check first? I assume that if all 3 cylinders have equal compression, then the head gasket is ok?

 

[boobie]

Re: water in lower cylinder

If the compression is good , check the exhaust cover gaskets.

 

[F_R]

Re: water in lower cylinder

Don't be surprised if the motor is junk. That's what happens when they seize from sitting with water in them, rusting the bearings. It may run awhile but then go to ......well, you know. Unless you are real lucky. Win any lotteries lately?

 

[LAndrus]

Re: water in lower cylinder

F_R, you spread such a ray of sunshine my way. I've already considered tearing into the darn thing this winter if need be. Replacement parts are the issue.
I plan on testing the compression as soon as I can pick up a compression tester. Hopefully the head gasket is the issue...I don't relish the thought of pulling the power head to remove the exhaust cover to replace that gasket.

 

[boobie]

Re: water in lower cylinder

If you have to replace the exhaust cover gaskets, drill some holes in the lower cowling to get at the bolts and then put some rubber plugs in them. Been there.

 

[LAndrus]

Re: water in lower cylinder

tested compression today....top to bottom, 70,70,60, using a Harbor Freight tester
from what I've read those are 1/2 what they should be.....good assumption that a ring job is in order as well as checking the exhaust plate gaskets?

 

[Solittle]

Re: water in lower cylinder

Pull the head & have a look see -

 

[LAndrus]

Re: water in lower cylinder

bottom right bolt on the head is seized....my 12pt socket started to round out the bolt head....hate it when that happens

I was able to bring the compression up to slightly above 90 on each cylinder by squirting some 3 in 1 into each cylinder...still low in my opinion