Dont know what the problem is!HELP

[jlmotorsports]

I have a mercruiser 4 cylinder from 1986-87 i think-forgive me the boat is at our cabin and I cant remember the details. if i remember right its a 140 or 160 hp. anyways, it will start and run but in order to run it has to be rev up above idle. if i put it into gear it dies. It also leaks water from the head area (halfway up the motor) if I replace that gasket-which i think is the problem does anyone know if it will fix my problem. sorry for the confussing wording. Im a snowmobile/motorcycle mechanic and i dont know that much out inboards thanks for your help

 

[Haut Medoc]

Re: Dont know what the problem is!HELP

Sounds like you have more than 1 thing going on....
The stalling thing sounds like a bad lower shift cable....
Without seeing where the water is actually coming from it is anybody's guess....
You really should try to post your serial # so the forum can identify exactly what set up you have, kinda hard to give good advice when we don't know what we are dealing with...........JK

 

[Bondo]

Re: Dont know what the problem is!HELP

2 things ya Gotta do 1st,................

Figure out Which motor you've Got,.........
And,.....
Get the Factory Shop Manual for it...............

You Probably have the 3.0l, 140hp, Chevy 4 banger......
But,......
It Could be the Mercruiser's own 165hp, 3.7l motor,.....

For your sake,........ I Hope it's the 3.0l..............

 

[blouderback]

Re: Dont know what the problem is!HELP

I'll bet the leaking problem is the bellows. Any idea when they were last replaced? 20 years is probably too long.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Dont know what the problem is!HELP

I'll bet the leaking problem is the bellows. Any idea when they were last replaced? 20 years is probably too long.

Just for kicks, can you explain how a leaking bellows can cause a leak at the motor halfway up by the head?
(PS. Sometimes 2 years is too long by the way)

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Dont know what the problem is!HELP

I'll bet it isn't!

I'll bet the leaking problem is the bellows. Any idea when they were last replaced? 20 years is probably too long.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Dont know what the problem is!HELP

Blown manifold and head gasket would do that. That's my WAG and I'm sticking to it!:} Hehehehe...

 

[jlmotorsports]

Re: Dont know what the problem is!HELP

Ok i got the #s Serial # on the valve cover is A564263,Trans # A558302, Drive # 0A547496 motor is a 1986 140hp GM inline 4 3.0L Alpha one drive. I looked where the water is leaking it is around the exhaust manifold and head area I can't pinpoint it exactly. but any wisdom on the matter would help me out. again it leaks water in the above area and will run if just the throttle is above idle but it i move the trottle back to put it into drive it just dies. Any help on how i can fix this?????? Thanks alot

 

[flashback]

Re: Dont know what the problem is!HELP

Well I would think the first thing you need to do is some basic tests on the engine. compression test would be good. also while it is running, pull the plug wires one at a time and see which cylinder isn't firing, thats my guess for the fact that it won't idle.. anyway do some research and holler back. d