86 50HP water tube woes

LAndrus

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jun 26, 2011
Messages
81
Water tube was broken, no problem. I had to do some work on a seized pivot king pin anyway. I removed the power head, cleaned everything up, and reinstalled everything. Now comes the fun part, at the time I didn't have a replacement washer or O-ring for the water tube. I wormed the tube down the motor leg and thought when I replaced the power head that everything was in place. The bottom of the water tube is tight against the motor leg and I can't move it to replace the LU. Throwing caution to the wind I purchased a new o-ring and washer. Now the questions, is the washer and o-ring really necessary, and should the tube have some wiggle room or be tight against the motor leg as it is? I would hate to remove the powerhead again, but will if need be.
 

cbercaw

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 15, 2008
Messages
114
Re: 86 50HP water tube woes

The washer and gasket go on the POWERHEAD side of the motor..Yes they are extremely important to the proper cooling of your engine. The washer and gasket form a seal from the water pump tube to the power head...again...integral pieces..as far as I know, you have to pull the powerhead to change that gasket... not too big of a deal if you have experience.
 

LAndrus

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jun 26, 2011
Messages
81
Re: 86 50HP water tube woes

I know they go on the powerhead side, I just wasn't sure if the were required.....off comes the powerhead again....what a PITA
 

cbercaw

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 15, 2008
Messages
114
Re: 86 50HP water tube woes

When I pulled my powerhead, my o ring was long gone. I had cooling issues previously. I replaced the o ring and my pump seams stronger and more consistent. I also cleaned the scaling from all the cooling jackets and passages that I could reach. Even my copper water tube had buildup near the head.. ...again just my experience on my 88 50hp. Consider any other services while the head is off again..clean the re-circulation system if you haven't yet. Clean the scaling/buildup in the exhaust cover and water cooling jacket. Gaskets are cheap
 
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