"Anthony Herman" wrote in message
...


I just bought a '96 Arctic Cat TigerShark (770 cc). The previous owner
says it has low compression in the rear cylinder (2 cyl engine). It does
run a little rough at lower speeds, but fine when you open her up.

Just wondering if anyone had some ideas. One thought is a head gasket.

Do you know how low? It is possible that the variation is within an
expected range and compression isn't the problem at all.

Just about every one I know who has a PWC has managed to flood the engine
compartment and hydrolock the engine at one time or another. If that
happens when the engine is running at a high RPM just about anything is
possible: cracked head, cracked piston, broken rings, etc.

The head gasket is the best place to start. Take the head off and then
inspect the head, top of piston and the cylinder walls. If everything looks
okay then put the new gasket on and check the compression again.


Rod