1996 Speedster 717 engine questions

[dank400ex]

Good Evening Everyone,
I am a long time follower but never posted before. I bought a 1996 Speedster about 2 years ago with a bad motor. I rebuilt the top end and get her running again. This past fall I was going to winterize the engines and found the rebuilt engine was filled with oil apparently from a bad seal from reading some past posts on here. I have a few questions regarding the next best steps.

1. I will most likely rebuild the top end again after I clean out all the oil and just get a hose clamp for when I store it.

2. If I did want a rebuild would it be worth it to purchase a spare engine from ebay or craigslist? Or just take the current one out and send it away?

3. After I rebuilt the engine for the first time, my compression readings were only in the 140's. Is this because I have a thin lower gasket or are the rings not getting a good seal?

I've attached photos of the pistons right now to see if someone can tell me if they look ok with the carbon patterns. Please let me know what my best options will be to keep the boat in the water the longest.

 

[El Toro 33809]

The oil is probably from the crank seal on the RV shaft. You wouldn't need to rebuild the top end because of that. If you are going to address the issue, the best way to go would be to replace the crank, or opt for a rebuilt motor. It would be a roll of the dice getting a used motor. It the top end was just redone, the rebuilt motor would be somewhat an overkill.

How much time have you put on it since the rebuilt top end? The rings may not have seated yet. You may also want to try a different gauge. That could be causing the lower reading.

 

[dank400ex]

I guess my next question would be how to get the oil out of the crank without taking the top end down? I know there is the fitting on the side of the crank that goes to the return tube. Would I be able to suck the oil out or let it drain enough from that fitting the get her started again?

The top end only has about one season on it. The gauge is a new craftsman one and gives me good readings on the starboard engine. Is it possible the squish gap is too big?

Thanks again