Mercury 25 hp stroke seizing

[Manifestation]

My 1996 25 hp seized up yesterday. Had a few episodes last year where motor would lose power but usually ran well. First time out this year ran like a scalded dog for first half hour. Eventually lost power and seized completely. Soaked pistons in oil overnight and got it free. Top plug looked good, bottom plug was dry and caked. Silvery sludge came out of bottom cylinder. Got motor running but sounds noisy. Hard to say but sounds more like coming from flywheel than a knock, but definitely not a good sound. Silvery sludge in water barrel afterwards. Any hope for this motor or do I have a spare anchor now?

 

[faztbullet]

-Only know if tore down.....

 

[mechanicman]

Doesn't sound good. It's possibly a new anchor. But open it up and check inside.

 

[Manifestation]

That's what I was afraid of. It is a Mercosil motor, and I did see somewhere when they overheat the silica on the cylinder walls releases and it looks like sand. That's what the slide looks like coming from the bottom cylinder so I'm not too hopeful. If that's the case is it worth having the cylinders honed and rebuilding the motor myself?

 

[mechanicman]

Depends on your budget

 

[faztbullet]

More likely bored not honed...takes a special hone so take to a GOOD marine or bike shop.

 

[Manifestation]

Just did compression test and bottom cylinder is 0. Water on plug as well. I see some used power heads out there for sale. I think that might be the way to go. How do I know what years will work with a ‘96 Mercury 25?