When to rebuild bottom end?

[dreeder72]

I have a 97 speedster with the twin 717 motors. All 4 cylinders are showing 120 psi compression so ready for top end rebuild. It still runs fine so I'm hoping to finish out the boating season and work on it during the winter. It doesn't get driven very hard because my wife gets scared but im not the original owner so I have no clue when or if they have ever been opened yet. Question is how do I check the bottom end to know if it's okay or ready for a rebuild at the same time?

 

[Dr Honda]

I would do a full rebuild. You are dealing with a 14 year old engine, that the top-end is warn out. SO... do you think the lower half isn't warn also?

If the engine was a few years old... and you melted a piston... I would say... just do a top end... but in your situation... if you do a top end... I would we willing to bet that the lower half will give up shortly after.

 

[dreeder72]

Makes sense, Thank you. 