JMcGinness
New member
Hi Guys,
I recently purchased this 2003 Mercury 15ELH 4ST off craigslist non-running and intended on using it to learn how to work on, service, and possibly rebuild basic small engines. I purchased and am following the Seloc repair manual (1705) but still have a few questions.
After repairing the recoil starter I did a compression test that resulted in ~85 PSI on the upper cylinder and ~60 PSI on the lower cylinder, so I decided to pull the powerhead off to take a peak. There is substantial salt in the head and there seemed to be a portion that clogged and lost it's flow and ate away at the head and I'm concerned. I also noticed a strange hole/window in the block, the shape of the hole looks intentional but the hole is rough making me think it's a problem. I've ordered a replacement powerhead gasket set after the low compression diagnosis but before noticing the damage.
What do you think? Is this head & block salvageable?
Questionable thin wall on cylinder head
Cylinder head overall condition
Questionable hole in cylinder block
Thank you for any advice & guidance!
I recently purchased this 2003 Mercury 15ELH 4ST off craigslist non-running and intended on using it to learn how to work on, service, and possibly rebuild basic small engines. I purchased and am following the Seloc repair manual (1705) but still have a few questions.
After repairing the recoil starter I did a compression test that resulted in ~85 PSI on the upper cylinder and ~60 PSI on the lower cylinder, so I decided to pull the powerhead off to take a peak. There is substantial salt in the head and there seemed to be a portion that clogged and lost it's flow and ate away at the head and I'm concerned. I also noticed a strange hole/window in the block, the shape of the hole looks intentional but the hole is rough making me think it's a problem. I've ordered a replacement powerhead gasket set after the low compression diagnosis but before noticing the damage.
What do you think? Is this head & block salvageable?
Questionable thin wall on cylinder head
Cylinder head overall condition
Questionable hole in cylinder block
Thank you for any advice & guidance!