Reply To: Seized motor piston rings

[Bob Wight]

If there was water in the cylinders to the extent the pistons were stuck (even if now have it partially freed up) you really need to split the crankcase and assess what damage has been done to the crankshaft and bearings and how badly the lower portions of the cylinder are rusted. I’ve had a few motors in the same rusted/stuck condition when I got them. One of them was saved with new crank/rod bearings and a cylinder hone job. Another one needed a replacement block and one new piston and rings. And another one was total junk and I had to find a good used powerhead. Your piston rings should be free in their grooves but they do not rotate in the grooves – there is a locating pin in the groove and the end of the rings straddle the pin – see pic. I’d recommend you open the crankcase to determine extent of the water issue and next steps needed.

Bob

1937 Champion D2C Deluxe Lite Twin
1954 Johnson CD-11
1955 Johnson QD-16
1957 Evinrude Fastwin 18
1957 Evinrude 3022
1958 Johnson QD-19
1958 Johnson FD-12
1959 Johnson QD-20
1982 Evinrude 25hp

“Every 20 minute job is only a broken bolt away from a 3-day project.”
"Every time you remove a broken or seized bolt an angel gets his wings."