Expert: Everett Peacock - 5/3/2008

Question
I ran outboard first day of season for about three hours on and off running rpm's up to 5000.On second day running I ran boat on and off and after a 1 MI run shut down engine.She was steaming somewhat out of water discharge and appeared to be pumping water during operation.after fishing for about 45 min we left and I brought engine to about 3000 rpm's and went about 300 yards and engine died.seized and stalled , no alarms.engine now cranks over harder and has visible signs of overheating,discolored heads.Had engine looked at and mechanic says four cylinders are at 120 compression 100 on two cylinders.? is is it worth rebuilding a engine like this.I've been told that some mechanics wont bother because you never end up with a trouble free engine afterwards.The engine does run now but she is not cranking over like she used to.Engine has about 350 hrs on it.What is a outboard like this worth ,as is for parts,mechanic says electrical attached to engine block is shot,melted,but the engine still runs.Am I throwing good $ at bad repair?

Answer
the rule of thumb is 15 pound difference in two cylinders is a problem...maybe a new power head night be for you. sounds like a overheating problem for sure..any time it is steaming out the indicator you have a overheat problem, maybe the warning horn wiring got melted....boatmansbargains.com