Not good numbers. To low.
Buy it knowing you need a power head and use that in your negotiations.

Not favorable readings

While I agree those numbers aren't looking good for that particular engine, the quote doesn't always apply. Here's why: I currently own a boat with a 1997 Evinrude 200 Vindicator on it. My Master Marine Technician mechanic tells me that the bottom two cylinders on that motor are designed with a much lower compression than the other four intentionally - so that the motor didn't require so much ump to turn over for starting. Someone who doesn't understand this might note this big discrepancy in compression testing and be inclined to think I have a sick engine when I really do not.

Sorry but I have to call BS on this one. I have rebuilt several of these motors and if the bottom cylinders show lower compression it is because something is wrong.

And you can take it to the bank that Gary knows his stuff.

Building cars for a living, and every one has a motor, I'd completely agree. Every motor should have even compression on every cylinder. I like my motors to have +\- 2% on trading from cylinder to cylinder. And even the overall 4% variance is kinda loose. It's this kind of tolerance stacking that causes a motor to run poorly, IMO. I think any mechanic that would spew [censored] like that from their mouths either doesn't want to fix the problem, assumes YOU are unwilling to spend the money to fix the problem, or is just an idiot. One of those three.

A motor should be as exact from cylinder to cylinder as possible. Period. If it's hard to turn over, then the rings or bearings are too tight, the battery system either doesn't possess (or can't transfer) enough amperage, or the starter is failing.



To the above original post..... Do not buy that motor without planning on a rebuild soon.

Guys, he showed me in some repair guide books. I believe they were the actual OMC shop guides. He's a personal friend who wasn't trying to blow anything off or pull one over on me. He had just checked the compression on a different motor that SHOULD have equal compression (and did) and the discussion came up about equal compression. He brought up that I will need to be aware that my Vindicator will check different (to spec) if it gets checked as a condition of sale, and that I should be aware of this as some (like you guys) will immediately think the engine has an issue. He opened a book to prove it.

How about you show me a pdf of the specs for my Vindicator that calls for the same compression on all six? He's maintained certification for 30 years or so. How about you? I know him; I don't know you....

Run it and then check it. The #'s are a little far apart and could be low from a dry cylinder
if its been setting for very long. A good solid motor won't vary over 3-6 lbs between cylinders

"Different to spec"'IS THE PROBLEM. If it is "spec" for a motor to have unbalanced cylinders, then I'd question the motor design as well.

As for friends? Haha. I tell friends all the time, "nice job", "looks great", stuff like that. I don't want to hurt their feelings. I'm sure they are proud of what they've done. Maybe your friend mechanic is telling you this since it isn't life or death and doesn't want to hurt your feelings?

I don't know. Maybe I'm just blowing talk outta my [censored]. I hope you and him are right.....

This

Uummm no

ummm no to what? Some engines do not have equal compression, per design. I admit it's unusual and rare, but it does exist. If you say not, then produce the specs that prove it!

I had no Idea that Evinrudes had so much compression they had issues turning over.

How good of a deal is the boat? If its cheap enough to absorb an up coming rebuild then go for it.

http://m.harborfreight.com/cylinder-leak-down-tester-94190.html?utm_referrer=direct%2Fnot%20provided