1989 Mariner 175Ski

[Glastron1987]

Picking up a 1989 Mariner 175Ski. Engine looks pretty clean. Appears to be a 2.4L XRI system engine.

Owner says he's been running for years with a small knock.

First of all, any comments about this model engine? Anyone have one?

Second, any ideas on what a small knock might be?

I'm think it could be anything simple like a clogged injector, to a full rebuild required.

[rock]

A knock on 2 stroke is not usually a good sign and rarely do they run "for years". I would look for something like flywheel contacting something or something else loose. If it is internal be careful.

Rock

[idvette]

I blew one up last year, was a good performer up to that point. I had a 2.4 200 xri before it, and key differences were 2:1 lower unit and a different shaped throttle cam. I was told those 2 were to get a skier out of the ditch quickly and give the driver decent low speed management. Have the knock diagnosed and if easily fixed, it'll be a solid performer.

[Glastron1987]

I blew one up last year, was a good performer up to that point. I had a 2.4 200 xri before it, and key differences were 2:1 lower unit and a different shaped throttle cam. I was told those 2 were to get a skier out of the ditch quickly and give the driver decent low speed management. Have the knock diagnosed and if easily fixed, it'll be a solid performer.

Good info, thanks.

[Aaronhl]

Did you take those spark plugs out yet

[David]

from a 1989 Mariner brochure:

175 ski 2:1 gears, 5000-5600 max rpm, 398 lb
175 carb, 1.87 gears, 5300-5800 max rpm, 382 lb
200 carb, 1.87 gears, 5400-5900 max rpm, 382 lb

[Glastron1987]

from a 1989 Mariner brochure:

175 ski 2:1 gears, 5000-5600 max rpm, 398 lb
175 carb, 1.87 gears, 5300-5800 max rpm, 382 lb
200 carb, 1.87 gears, 5400-5900 max rpm, 382 lb

Interesting

[Glastron1987]

Did you take those spark plugs out yet

Not yet. Have to get it home first.

[Glastron1987]

Spark plugs look good. Except plug #1 looked just very slightly dirtier. No aluminum on any of them.

Did compression test and 5 out of 6 were fine. #1 was very low.

Took head off and appears head gasket at the top was bad... leaking compression into the water jacket. Otherwise, all parts look fine.

I may have gotten lucky with this engine.

Will replace the head gasket and see how it runs.

Question... What do I put on the new head gasket so that it will come off OK in the future, or do I put it on dry?

[rock]

dry. oil threads on head bolts

Rock

[Glastron1987]

dry. oil threads on head bolts

Rock

Thanks.

Plan to use 2-stroke oil on the bolts and torque to 35lbs in an alternating pattern starting from the center going out and do it a little at a time.

[Glastron1987]

Little disappointed after replacing the head gasket. Compression did improve from about 45psi to about 80psi, but probably I'll try replacing that piston and rings to get it closer to 120.

In any case, it seems to start up and run fine, except there is this little hose at the top of the block that I don't know what to do with. After the engine is warmed up it dripples water out of it. On some engines, it might be attached to the poppet, but I see no connection for that on this poppet. Attached are photos. Any ideas?

[OnPad]

Sometimes a overnight soak with seafoam, will free stuck rings.
The hose at the top of engine is for a water pressure gauge. You can block it off, or better yet install a gauge.

[Glastron1987]

Fantastic. I'll try the soaking and for now will block it off. Thank you.

[tlwjkw]

looks like you have one of tha very first of tha water cooled reg/rect. motors... first '89's didn't have tha hose from top down to tha poppet.. that came later in tha year model ('89) ta help keep tha reg/rec cool.. yours is for an added water pressure gauge....