Question on head gaskets

[chadbenton]

I have an 88 150xr2, which is all original. I have read many threads on water cover gaskets and head gaskets leaking. Would it be good idea to replace it anyway on a 20 year old engine. Don't want any problems this summer. Thanks.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Question on head gaskets

I have an 88 150xr2, which is all original. I have read many threads on water cover gaskets and head gaskets leaking. Would it be good idea to replace it anyway on a 20 year old engine. Don't want any problems this summer. Thanks.

Read your plugs. If they're shopping bag brown, all is good. If one seems to be steam cleaned, you have steam (water) in the engine. It'll look like new.

The water cover gaskets will be fine. There is a silicone seal strip in the bottom of the exhaust chest, sealing the edge of the divider plate, that catches hell if you overheat. Might be worth pulling it off and looking. You also get a peek at the exhaust side of the pistons and you can see if you have debris in the cooling system as you open up a bunch of it.

 

[gss036]

Re: Question on head gaskets

If you are running fresh water, it probably is not a big deal , but saltwater seems to have a way with eating away the metal part of the gasket. I think I am on my 4th set of head gaskets on my 1989 200hp Merc and probably due again this summer, though I haven't been putting the hours on the way I used to.

 

[chadbenton]

Re: Question on head gaskets

Thanks for the info., I guess if it aint broke don't fix it applies here.