water coming from around #1 plug

[moseslake]

We were cruising back to the dock when poof, the motor died and steam came from the upper exhuast. Took off the motor cover and noticed water coming from around the #1 plug, inspected it closer at home and also noticed some type of threaded plug missing at the right side of the plug, what's this for? Called the local marina and he said it was common for outboards and said I needed to replace a gasket and maybe some plate, can't remember the name, didn't much info from him. Is this really common for outboards? Is this a big job for the novice? Is the motor majoraly damaged?<br />Any more info and help would be great and hopefully some good news. The motor is a 1980 140hp IL6. Thanks.

 

[AMD Rules]

Re: water coming from around #1 plug

It would help if you specified which motor you had. You've blown a cover plate gasket on the water jacket. It isn't terribly difficult to replace but you need to know -why- it failed. When running it after it happened, did you notice any wtaer stream from your telltale? Sounds like you may have overheated.<br /><br />Ironically, that threaded hole next to the upper plug is normally for a temperature alarm switch. Did you hear any alarms at all when it happened? I don't remember hearing about those plugs/switches popping out {they're threaded) but I suppose its possible that it wasnt in tight to start with.<br /><br />As a minimum you need a new cover plate gasket, and maybe a new cover plate if its badly warped. More important is to find out why. Be sure to double check your water pump impeller & system for proper operation.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[moseslake]

Re: water coming from around #1 plug

Thanks for the info. The motor is a 1980 140hp IL6, and yes there is water coming from the pee hole but not a heavy stream maybe from some water coming out of the gasket.I don't believe there is a temp alarm installed. I also heard the bolts that hold the plate on break, is this common?