Expert: Everett Peacock - 7/17/2011

Question
I have an '83 Johnson 115 V that has low compression in one cylinder ( low 80's) and the others have around 110. What I want to do is just hone out that one cylinder and replace rings on all four . Is this a good idea or is it worth re-boring the cylinders and put new pistons and rings in. I want something that is going to be reliable. Am I wasting my time?

Answer
don't know if you have to  bore cylinder...  How does the head ???do you see and thing there or on the cylinder walls.   the wear you get over time is on the pistons...I nothen is seen the I wwould clean cylinders with a ball hone to clean the walls, then replace pistons and ring on all cylinders...make sure there is a problem defore you do all this work....manufacture say it is ok an long as it is not more than 15 psi betweenb any two cyliders...if you are going to pull it apart then replace all pistons and all rings, clean the carbs, and install a new top seal on the cranfshaft.and a new water pump...connecting rod bolts must be locktited in place..