stupid question - headgaskets

[fieromx3]

curious to know how long head gaskets on a mercruiser 260 open cooling can/should last? i am not experiencing any problems but unlike in a car where coolant has anti corrosion/rust inhibitors, FRESH lake water does not... does lake water (freshwater) tend to rust the head and deck surface over time to the point where you have head gasket failure? my engine runs flawless, has been maintained very very well from previous owner but it is a 1986 and i will have engine on an engine stand soon, curious if i should replace the headgasket just cause or just leave them be.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Marine head gaskets are stainless. Properly maintained, they will last decades

 

[Bondo]

does lake water (freshwater) tend to rust the head and deck surface over time to the point where you have head gasket failure?

Nope,.....

 

[Lou C]

Even in salt water, that doesn't usually happen, till you have 15+ years of salt water use. BUT, one bad overheat can cause them to leak, not always at first but sometimes a year or 2 later.

 

[fieromx3]

cool, good to know! thanks everyone