1973 20' SF - Engine Trouble?

[StrangeBrew]

All,

I posted a few weeks ago regarding my engine compression issue. I have a 1996 Johnson 115 HP Outboard (new to me this season). Compression reads 110 psi on 3 and only 60 psi on 1. I tried to decarb (PowerTune in the low cylinder)through the plug hole. I also used a bit of Mystery Oil in the low hole. Yesterday I ran the boat for about an hour...Sounds great and runs like a champ...I planed at about 3800-4000 RPM no problem...ran it to 5500 (WOT)no problem...motor ran like a champ...I ran her for just over an hour at 4000+ RPM with no problems at all. I got back to the dock and the compression on the low hole still read 60 PSI. Given that she runs fine and I only paid $800 for the motor, do you think I should just run her for the season or should I pull the head and do the rings if necessary? I guess the question is, if it's running fine with the known compression problem, should I just ignore the problem? Everything I've read indicates that all cylinders should be within 10% of each other..but there does not appear to be any performance problems. Only thing that did happen was at idle on the dock she did sputter and shut down after about 10 mins of running time, but underway there were no issues.