Water leaking around spark plug

Virginiaboating

Recruit
Joined
Jan 18, 2005
Messages
1
I have a 120hp IB Mercruiser motor. I see that 2 of the 4 plugs are leaking water around them when the motor is running. No water is getting in the oil nor the cylinder head. I am being told that it could be a water jacket problem. If this is so do I have to replace the head or is there a water jacket gasket that needs to be replace. This motor is on a 1977 Renken boat. Any advise would be helpfully.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,310
Re: Water leaking around spark plug

I'd say Either the Head, or More Likely the Manifold is Cracked...........<br /><br />Replacement of the Cracked Part is the Only Answer..........<br /><br /><br />BTW, Welcome to the iboats forums.......... :)
 

rodbolt

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 1, 2003
Messages
20,066
Re: Water leaking around spark plug

virginiaboating<br /> unfortunately here in our salt pond the water jacket just above the spark plug on that head is rather thin and prone to corrode from the inside out. the manifold is on the other side of the engine on yours so it rules that out. I have replaced many heads due to that problem. you may look into a merc reman or a new head. my luck with used heads in this area has not been good and I no longer buy them. most are corroded. be aware that there are at least 3 different heads that will bolt on your block and only one will work correctly. there were some running changes over the years with the intake/exhaust ports.
 
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