1988 omc 2.3l headgasket

[bob880]

So, I am looking for gaskets for my 2.3l engine does anyone know where I can get a head gasket,exhaust manifold and intake manifold gasket?
I took this motor to a guy to get it fixed. He got it running and said it was running really rough and kept overheating while steam was coming out pf the out drive.
He wasn't sure of the exact issue but I thought I would give replacing the head gasket a whirl and see if that does the trick. Never again will I get any boat with this engine it is a night mare.

Now that being said (i didn't do a compression test due to the fact i could get mine to fit) does this sound like a head gasket or some other night mare-ish dreamscape I may be entering in to?

 

[Mcdaniel1991]

That does sound like head gaskets, was the engine overheated? If so you may need to also have the heads checked.

 

[bob880]

Not sure if it was overheated or not. ( praying that I can just fricken replace and go) I got the boat for free. It has become the biggest money pit ever.

 

[southkogs]

I can't get on the site right now (not responding), but you can check for the parts you need HERE. Some will still be available, not sure about all.

Have you done a compression test on your cylinders? I agree it sounds like a head gasket, but it's nice to be certain before you burn the cash on it.

 

[bob880]

True Southkogs, I think i would like to do that as well! Now that being said I need some advice on this.
would a bad head gasket make it run very poorly and over heat?

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,..... A blown head gasket could be the cause, but a compression test will tell ya for sure, 'n which cylinder it is,...

As for gettin' parts, try right here at iboats 1st,.....

 

[bob880]

Ok, So i will due a compression test and try to get some answers.

 

[bob880]

One other question can you use a 2.3l mustang II head gasket?

 

[Speak]

One other question can you use a 2.3l mustang II head gasket?

I did (fresh water boat) but I'm sure others will say you shouldn't. Been going strong now 3 years

 

[southkogs]

I'll go ahead and counter point: for a raw water cooled engine, I would just do the extra of putting in a marine rated gasket. If you were strictly closed cooling, I might bend more either / or. To Speak's point - it'll probably go for ya' either way, but I only wanted to change it once.

 

[bob880]

Good to know. So, after further testing and heavy thinking I came up with more questions to punish everyone with.
Ok, i checked the oil no water in the oil. I checked under the valve cover no frothy chocolate milk looking water that you would associate with a blown head gasket or crack head or block right? The issue is over heating? So, i really need to make sure the impeller is working the t-stat is good and the water pump is working...right? Where else and how should i test it. Thoughts? Should i light this thing on fire yet?

 

[bob880]

Will this work for my omc 2.3l ?

Thermostat 160 - 18-3558 - Sierra
Price: $13.25
Compare at $19.55
Manufacturer: Sierra
Replaces OEM part #

• OMC 982554
• VOLVO 3853799

 

[southkogs]

Do the compression test to see if you're in good shape. When I blew the head gasket on mine, my oil didn't look too alarming.

I would automatically assume the impeller is shot.

 

[bob880]

Impeller is in perfect shape no pieces missing at all. I forgot to mention this boat hasn't been started in almost 2 years either. I am thinking maybe the t-stat is rusted shut from sitting. If it was a bad head gasket would it overheat in 20 seconds?

 

[southkogs]

Impeller is a service item - I think the Stringers are a little easier on 'em, but changed them every two years. Never had one fall apart, but even with no pieces missing it wouldn't move water.

You can burn out an impeller in 30 seconds. I don't know that I've gotten an engine up to temperature in 30 seconds though, that seems fast. Dunno' that a head gasket will necessarily effect temperature ... though, I guess it might.

 

[bruceb58]

If it was a bad head gasket would it overheat in 20 seconds?

Not with raw water cooling. It might not ever overheat.

 

[Speak]

My t stat was rusted open - replace it if the boat is new to you or unknown!!

 

[bob880]

So the t-stat is in fact rusted open. Now i can't get it to stay running it back fires through the carb with a flame show. So i am thinking timing? How do i adjust with out it running do i make miner adjustments and then try starting?

 

[southkogs]

What's the compression reading?

 

[bob880]

just over 150 psi! So, i fixed the issue. the timing was off i just adjust the timing blindly until it ran better then i will get the light one her. also, the impeller was all melted and the metal cup was turned so the vents were turned to the walls instead of the left and right ventricles. So thats where all the "white smoke was coming from on the lower unit.