Loss of power--Water bubbling from front of crankcase cover!!

[wal88]

I have a 1979 55hp Evinrude. When I accerlerate there is very little power(like the engine is laboring), I noticed water bubbling from the front crankcase cover where the two covers join together. It apears that the crankcase is building up pressure. Is this normal? What would cause this to happen? Can anyone please help. I have a repair manual and I know a little about outboards.

 

[F_R]

Re: Loss of power--Water bubbling from front of crankcase cover!!

Are you sure it is water and not fuel? There shouldn't be any water in the crankcase. Fuel, yes, but it isn't supposed to be leaking out. Whether it would affect the running depends on how much is leaking. It would take a fairly serious leak to have much effect, especially at full power.

 

[wal88]

Re: Loss of power--Water bubbling from front of crankcase cover!!

I didn't check to see if it was water or fuel. I just thought it was water. I have the boat and motor home now and started to strip down the engine to see if there is a gasket between the two crank sections and weather it needs to be replaced or not. I noticed the scematic in the repair manual and it doesn't show a gasket. Is this possible? If it is indeed fuel, is there enough pressure in the crank case to cause it to ooze out betueen the casings. If that is not my problem, what could be causing the loss of power?

Thanks
Wally

 

[F_R]

Re: Loss of power--Water bubbling from front of crankcase cover!!

Yes, there is pressure in there. Also vacuum. Alternating as the pistons stroke up and down. No gasket, just sealer. Maybe rubber "spagetti" seal, I would have to check the parts book on that.

As I said, that would not cause loss of power unless it is really gushing. You would be complaining of poor/no idle long before it ever got that bad. You are chasing the wrong problem.