water found in 83 inline 115hp

[Bill64]

Hi! I'm looking for a little help. I was on the lake earlier in the week and it ran
well for about 15 min. came down to trolling speed and I heard it sputtering.
I tried to clean it out but it would bog down. I then pulled over and pulled the plugs.. top 2 looked brown with unburned fuel, middle 2 looked creamy gray and oozing on the plug threads, bottom 2 didn't look to bad. I was gearing up to
change exhaust gaskets. I pulled the powerhead this evening and noticed brown
foamy oil gunk around the shaft. The powerhead gasket was soggy and broke when the head was removed. The questions I have are: the foamy gunk on the shaft....is that caused from bad powerhead gasket or bottom endcap seals.
Also I replaced the exhaust manifold gaskets 5 years ago but failed to use
the epoxy on the bolts, instead I used an auto waterpump bolt prep. Thanks!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: water found in 83 inline 115hp

Bill, I do not like the description of the middle two plugs. Were the bottom plugs real clean or did they have a coating of oil, fuel and some color to them? If the bottom plugs are fine (not clean), then it is likely the exhaust cover and baffle. If the bottom plugs are clean, the lower endcap seals are likely bad.

Of course, you might as well replace them, since you have the powerhead off. Ditto on the exhaust gaskets.

I would use some blue locktight on the inner exhaust bolts, when you reassemble.

 

[achris]

Re: water found in 83 inline 115hp

Sounds like a case of a carb not running or not getting spark. If the middle cylinders were not firing (lack of fuel or spark) that can suck water in from the exhaust chamber. As you already have the powerhead off I would go ahead and redo the inner water jacket cover gasket and bolts. As you pull it apart be on thelook out for signs of water from that gasket as a possible source, but when you get it back together check for all 6 sparks and give the carbs a clean too.

Gunk around the shaft could indicate the bottom seals. While you have it apart, change them too.

Chris.......

 

[Bill64]

Re: water found in 83 inline 115hp

Thanks for the reply's..... I picked up the end seals today and plan to do both the seals and exhaust manifold. As far as spark goes all 6 were checked at the same time and that and carbs I don't think. Now the next question has to do with the loctite on the exhaust bolts............my merc dealer says they use a special 2 part epoxy on the bolts and reg loctite is only good for 300 degrees and won't hold up. Loctite makes a couple that go up to 600 degrees at $35.
Does anyone know of a different remedy?
Thanks for looking

 

[achris]

Re: water found in 83 inline 115hp

Do a search on these forums. I know the Merc Resi-weld is no longer available and someone did suggest an alternative, probably in the last few months, and posted it here.

Chris.......

 

[Bill64]

Re: water found in 83 inline 115hp

Once again I have more questions than answers, I installed 3 gaskets in the exhaust manifold and end cap seals. After all this I ran it in the driveway and looked like I was getting water in # 3. tried it a few more times 10 mins. at a time # 3 still looks gray with water. Then took a look at it 24 hrs later all my plugs except #6 were rusted. Thee motor doesn't sound bad at idle. My question is there water left in the block and it's working itself out or should I tear it down again?

 

[Chris1956]

Re: water found in 83 inline 115hp

Can you clean or replace the plugs and run the motor for 45 min at idle? That will drive off any residual water. Now inspect the plugs for that grey stuff..

BTW - I still think you are getting water, however, the 45 min running test is a whole lot easier than tear down, and should be a decisive test.

 

[Bill64]

Re: water found in 83 inline 115hp

I did the 45 min run and same results,,,, water in #3......... I'm faster the 2nd
time, about 2.5 hrs powerhead off disassembled and cleaned up. No new findings.
I would like to ask anyone if they have a torque sequence and torque setting they can offer me for both inner and outer sets of bolts.My manual is a little gray on the outside cover and offers nothing for inner set of bolts...this could be the problem. The inner bolts I started in the middle and worked out to the end @ 250 in lbs. the outside cover somewhat the same. If anyone has anything please post or email to bill5985@sbcglobal.net Thank you!

 

[Chris1956]

Re: water found in 83 inline 115hp

Bill, Starting in the center and working out is the correct sequence. Start with the three screws in the exact center. Then the three screws above, and then the three screws below. Continue in that sequence. Water jacket cover screws (inner) are 150 In-LBS. Outer Cover screws are 250 In-LBS.

Did you check the exhaust baffle for warping? You might use some hi-temp silicone on the gaskets as well.

 

[Bill64]

Re: water found in 83 inline 115hp

just put in exhaust gaskets for the second time.......still leaking @ #3. For lack of a better word....The head gasket surrounding the spark plugs, could that leak water in? Any suggestions...... or is it only in the baffle plate that lets water in?

 

[nathanhooper]

Re: water found in 83 inline 115hp

Do you have any pictures of your repairs? I am being faced with water in my #6 cylinder and I am trying to figure out where it is coming from. Any pictures of the tear down and rebuild would be great. Thanks.

 

[achris]

Re: water found in 83 inline 115hp

just put in exhaust gaskets for the second time.......still leaking @ #3. For lack of a better word....The head gasket surrounding the spark plugs, could that leak water in? Any suggestions...... or is it only in the baffle plate that lets water in?

The head cover gasket will not let water into the cylinders. The baffle plate gasket is the most likely culprit, with the intermediate plate gasket being the next most likely.

Chris............

 

[achris]

Re: water found in 83 inline 115hp

Do you have any pictures of your repairs? I am being faced with water in my #6 cylinder and I am trying to figure out where it is coming from. Any pictures of the tear down and rebuild would be great. Thanks.

Most likely cause of water in #6 is the lower crankshaft seals...

 

[Bill64]

Re: water found in 83 inline 115hp

sorry no pics its back together again........if i go for a third I will put up the pics

Is the baffle plate the part thats in the deepest or is it the larger piece sandwiched with 2 gaskets?