Reply To: Merc 400 teardown looming

[billw]

A. Hoskins wrote:

I, as well, am nowhere near you but can offer this: You do not need to take the engine apart to asses the damage. On the starboard side of the block you can remove the intake port covers to look at the pistons and cylinder walls. If a piston is scored, rotate the crank to put the piston at the bottom of its’ stroke and look through to the other side of the cylinder with a flashlight. Scored walls are a real minus while scored pistons are replaceable. You do not need the special ring compressor. It makes the job easier but the job can be done by hand, carefully, patiently and with a buddy to help. Hopefully someone close to you will chime in and you’ll fine a seasoned technician. Good luck.

You may not “NEED” a special ring compressor set but you will NEED a number of cocktails, after busting a couple of rings off.

Long live American manufacturing!