1996 200hp Evinrude Vindictor possibly blown---What should I do?

[mtdrop]

Well put in and started seems ok, took off and seemed to have a hard time getting on plane....stopped on fished for a while took off again hard getting on plane just seems to struggle to get on plane. But while on plane seemed to run fine....took a long run then a low knocking sound was heard did seems too bad...no alarms (low oil/hot) then the knock got real loud then a small pop. sat down. The motor would start but sounded like the rod or something getting ready to knock out. The heads have been rebuild (I;m not the first owner) Now the great question!!!! Should I have it rebuilt???? or should I start looking for a new used motor? My fishing is done for the rest of the year......o well was having a good time...

[ChampioNman]

You won't know how bad the damage is until you take a compression test and pull the heads. Depending on the internal damage a bore oversize or a cylinder sleeve can be installed. Worse case you could be down just a few weeks. You could also get a reman power head and install it.

[mtdrop]

Thanks for the information well just tried to start on earmuffs starter will engage but will not turn the wheel think is locked up what now new used or rebuild thanks for the information just worried about the boat

[ChampioNman]

First thing you need to do is check the condition of the block and make sure there are no holes in the crank case. You'll need to pull the starter off to check the left side. Pull the spark plugs out and check of either one that has metal on it or a closed gap. Then pull the heads off and check inside.

[mtdrop]

Thanks no holes or cracks I see in the crank case but I did notice a small crack in the lower unit but not oil is leaking (could have lost all of it on the water) thanks again will be taking to the shop on mon or tues.,,,, Ill wait and pray for an answer........so right now rebuild is the answer?

[ChampioNman]

See if you can spin the flywheel by hand. That crack in the lower sounds like it may be the problem and not the power head. If the lower locks up on you it can appear to be the head.

[mtdrop]

cant spin the flywheel by hand so could it be lock up power head or just lock up lower unit?

[ChampioNman]

One way to tell is to drop the lower unit.

[mtdrop]

no metal on the electrodes or a crushed electrode on the plugs, would a broken lower unit cause the flywheel not to spin by hand?

[ChampioNman]

Yep. Pull all the short 9/16" bolts on the LU, remove the trim tab and the 9/16" bolt under it. Disconnect the shift rod and use the 5/8" bolt to drop the lower just enough to dis-engage the lower from the crank shaft. Then try spinning the flywheel.

[316jughead]

I thought I was the only one that knew that 5/8 bolt trick. Shucks and dang it!