Loss of power

[Djerlandson]

This summer, as we were making way north in Lake Michigan, we set out for a 60 mile motor sail from Charlevoix to St. Ignace. Imediately we noticed we did not have full cruising power. Only about 1/2 rpms and thrust. Something is wrong, we turned back to Charlevoix to explore. I’ll skip the forward gear slipping out which we seemed to solved. After that, the rpms and power issue remained. We decided to pull into the engine doctors at Irish Marine to evaluate. After testing the ignition system/timing, good, then carberation and fuel, good, a driving test still evidenced low rpms and power. Next they checked compression. Lower range of acceptable but consistent through the cylinders. Next they did a “leak down” test. Cylinder 1, acceptable, at 10%. Cylinder 2 at 26%. Not so good. Cylinder 3 over 50% and cylinder 4 over 60%. Air is leaking out around the intake valves. As the mechanic put it, although everyone is getting up, only 1 1/2 of our cylinders are going to work!

After crying for a night, we decided we would wait for favorable winds and limp home to Muskegon. Without stressing the engine, she runs fine. I clean the spark plugs after every 10 hours of engine running, can’t hurt.

Now, August 1st, we are home in Muskegon. Ugh, way to early!

I’m thinking an engine tear down for new Valves and new rings while we’re at it.

Any thoughts?