Tech Help on a 1980 Mercury 200HP 2.4

[BuilderFL]

THEFERM, It turns over very easy by hand without the plugs and I found no sign of aluminum when I pulled the heads.The sleeves are smooth and shiny with no scoring whatsoever. Could it be the piston rings going bad due to overheating?

[THEFERMANATOR]

The rings could have collapsed, but that is not very likely with keystone beveled rings. If your want to find out if it's the rings, put a tablespoon of oil in the cylinder then do a compression test and see if the numbers go way up. If they do then it could be your rings.

[BuilderFL]

With all electrical components out, I was removing the manifold and I got to thinking... Since the cylinders and the exhaust are interconnected, is it possible that the overheating burned parts of the two gaskets that go in between the cover and divider plate creating a leak and thus the reason for my low compression on all cylinders? What do you think...maybe, possible or just wishful thinking?

[spareparts]

I doubt that is it. But you can get a better look at the pistons by removing the exhaust plate and divider. Rotate the crank by hand and look at the sides of the pistons thru the exhaust ports. Its just odd that they are all down the same amount

[bigshrimpin]

Sorry Builder. That's definitely not the problem.

[BuilderFL]

Checking Craiglist I found a 1988 Merc with a rebuilt power head asking $900.00. Called the guy up and when he gives me his address, he’s three blocks south of me off the main avenue. Motor is OK; check compression and all cylinders at 115-117 psi. No spark on three cylinders (figured is the power packs) and he sold it to me $700.00. Anyway, he brought his boat to my house, helped me remove my motor and replace it with his. Except for my blown power head, I’ve got spares for everything. I will be going to work on it today and hopefully the spark issue can be resolved by exchanging the power parks.

[tsubaki]

THERE YOU GO.
Once in a while I'll get lucky like that, Daddy always says "that never happens to me".
Good goin and good luck!!

[THEFERMANATOR]

The beauty of having a parts engine, it's a wonderful thing.

[BuilderFL]

Well gentleman, I'm happy (as a pig in mud) to report that after changing the CDIs, she started right up. Good idle, good pee and I was so happy that I've been drinking rum and bar-b-quin ribs since 4:30pm. I figured that I can get back to the details sometime during the week. The real rabbit...can I have her ready for labor day weekend? Yes I can!
And to make things even better, it's a northern motor from Ohio, no rust at all! Anyway, the Bacardi and I thank you all, because when you're down, misery is bad but loneliness is the pits. I'm glad to be part of a group of friends like the V20 community and proud of the moral support we give each other day to day. Thanks!

PS. If any of you guys come through my town (Miami), do not hesitate to call on me if I can be of help. 10-7