Head Gaskets

[james roach]

The head gaskets on my 1987 200 HP Johnson are pushing salt out around the gaskets. I first noticed this problem about a year ago so last winter I pulled the heads off and replaced the gaskets. I installed new gaskets and was careful to torgue them correctly. My question is do I ignore this or not? If not then what do I do? Other than this the motor runs great.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: Head Gaskets

Were the heads absolutely flat? You shouldn't get any leakage. The heads may need to be surfaced (if you don't have a surfacing plate, use a piece of heavy glass with 300 to 400 grit wet/dry sandpaper contact cemented ... move the head in a figure eight motion until truly flat, clean carefully to remove ALL abrasive and install (torque). Check the block also for flatness, although there's not much you can do with the internals in place.

 

[james roach]

Re: Head Gaskets

Anyone else? I have seen this on several comparable motors I have looked at.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Head Gaskets

Are you positive its salt?

 

[james roach]

Re: Head Gaskets

Pretty certain. I found no signs of water going the other way. I'm assuming the water is evaporating and the salt is what's left. Could it be something else. I used the impregnated gaskets with no other sealant.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Head Gaskets

We have seen that also. It seems to be on certian gaskets from specific vendors. I have been told by engineers that is it the impregnated sealant coming out. If you look real close and the white substance seems to be coming from the middle of the gasket, then I would say thats what it is.

 

[james roach]

Re: Head Gaskets

Thanks for that tid bit of info. I never thought of it being the sealant. The old gaskets were doing this and looked great when I replaced them last winter. I guess I could give it the taste old test.

 

[willxuout]

Re: Head Gaskets

I just had my 96 200 ocean pro rebuilt and the head gaskets do exactly the same thing...I assumed it was saltwater corrosion because the motor is used exclusively in saltwater...but if you look closely you'll see that it's just the gasket...had my heads retorqued and everything is fine.<br /><br />I guess this is normal.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Head Gaskets

I have had a number of V4s over the years and always run in salt water. I have seen this several times and never had a problem.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Head Gaskets

Hello<br /> I have seen that white powdery substance on OMC, yamaha, suzuki, and mercs. its nothing to worry much about. I keep my customers motors sprayed down with fluid film.<br /> Good luck and keep posting