Water in cylinder

[javelin378]

Hi everyone, I was hoping to get a little advice on my engine. It's a 89 110 evinrude v4 until yesterday it ran perfect but while fishing around the lake I noticed about the 3rd time I cranked up it seemed to have a noticeable miss. I assumed a fouled plug but there was noticeable loss of power, when I got home changed the plugs and one cylinder had some water residue in it. I started it a couple times on muffs but you could tell it's only running on 3 cyl. I did compression test and that cyl was holding 105 other cyl holding around 110 and I was hoping it's only a head gasket.I called one shop locally they want 45 to diagnose exact problem and 60 an hour for labor to work on it. I have a pretty good automotive background, work for a manufacturer, but this is my first outboard. I wonder if I am better off letting a shop do it or if this is pretty straightforward and I can do it myself.Also I have only owned the boat since May of this year so don't know much history on the motor other than it's original to the boat. I would appreciate any advice thanks.

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Water in cylinder

The 1989 110hp Evinrude is a snap to work on as compared to an automotive engine, so this should be a snap for you. However, I'd suggest that you obtain a factory service manual specifically for that one engine rather than a manual that confusingly covers a group of models before going into the engine in any depth.

However, removing/replacing a cylinder head is a no brainer. Remove it in order to check the underside of the head, the cylinder walls, and the piston, but mostly to inspect the sealing surfaces of the head and block.

Head gasket....... If it is a shinny type gasket, it is no doubt a self sealing type gasket and no sealant should be applied. If shinny, there is probably a notation on the gasket saying as much.

The cylinder head bolt torque is 18 to 20 foot pounds, tightened in the following sequence.

9...10

5....6

1....2

4....3

8....7

Let us know what you find.

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Water in cylinder

Joe, could it also be an exhaust gasket, since the cylinders compression is fairly even across all 4? Not trying to second guess your opinion in any way, just value your knowledge and trying to learn from you.

 

[javelin378]

Re: Water in cylinder

Hey guys I appreciate the quick input. The compression was curious because I expected it to be noticebly down on that cyl but was pretty even across all 4. I didn't know if 105 to 110 was good compression or low for the engine.I have been online this morning loooking at manuals and hopefully get one this week and get started next weekend, also should I worry about any rust developing inside the engine? thanks

 

[HighTrim]

Re: Water in cylinder

No, that is excellent compression. "Noticibly down" would be below 10 or 15 percent difference. That is fairly even, which is the main thing. All gauges are a bit different so the main thing is that they are even which they are, however your reading are great anyways since they are over 100 psi. I was under the impression that the cylinders compression would be noticibly lower on a blown head gasket, but the symptoms that you speak of could be an exhaust gasket breach. Joe will lead you in the right direction though, I would listen to his advice.

 

[mikesea]

Re: Water in cylinder

no need to pay a mechanic,you is one,Im kinda thinking the exhust gaskets due to you good compression,wouldn't hurt to pull the heads and give her new gaskets,we always like to run the head over some heavy grit paper ,like 80 ,on a smoothe surface like marble to check for warpage,after a few passes,look at the surface,if its hitting only on a few surfaces ,its warped,the gasket could make up for a little,as for the exhust plates,hopefully your bolts come out ok,saltwater used engines could be a b***h,theres one other possibility,and its not good,I worked in a powerhead rebuild shop and we ran across many v4 omc's that got cracks where the water passages run by the exhust ,its inside the exhust cover,part of the block casting,Im betting its not the problem,and sticking with the cover gaskets,change the gaskets and hope for the best

 

[Joe Reeves]

Re: Water in cylinder

If you wait a few days before pulling the head, a very good chance of rusting can take place. Those steel walls can start to rust within minutes. Water can gain enterance to the cylinders via the exhaust baffle plate BUT removing the head is the starting point.

 

[javelin378]

Re: Water in cylinder

Hey everyone, just wanted to say thanks for the great advice. Things got real busy at work and I've been working every weekend till now, but I found a great repair shop and had it repaired. They found out the cause for the water in the cyl. It was the exhaust plate gasket and when they pulled the head first the gasket was in pretty good shape but apparently it had been getting a little water in both the upper and lower cyl, it was seeping in from the exhaust plate leak. I bought a manual and look forward to doing most of the work from now on. I will still come here for advice because everyone is knowledgeable and very helpful. thanks James

 

[javelin378]

Re: Water in cylinder

Hey guys have come back with a little info and seeking some advice. I found a reputable shop ,they replaced the gaskets told me it was fixed. About 2 weeks before I could lake test, it wasn't fixed, still getting water in cyl. Took it back they kept it 2 weeks and never could find the leak, believe it to be a crack in the block, so he replaced my powerhead with an extra he already rebuilt they told me they lake tested it, ran great, screamed would turn up past 5500. So I paid them and picked it up sat. before christmas and a week later take it to the lake, It started and idled a little rough but when I opened it up, no power takes forever to get up on plane and when it does won't turn over 4500 and seems to have no power, the other powerhead with water in a cyl had more power. It will be after the holidays before I can talk to them but I really have fears about taking it to them. I wonder if trash in the carbs or need of rebuild would cause this so suddenly or something else. Appreciate any advice thanks James

 

[emdsapmgr]

Re: Water in cylinder

If they are the reputable shop you thought they were, take it back to them and ask for a water test run with you onboard. Is it possible you have water in your boat fuel tank? Have you tried to run the new engine on a portable 6 gal tank? Is it possible the shop ran the new engine on one of their shop tanks-not on your boat's tank? Siphon some gas out of the bottom of the boat tank and let it sit for an hour and see what it looks like. If you have a remote oil tank, I'd check for water in there also. Once you rule out the fuel/water issue, it is possible that it is something simple, like the link arm being disconnected on the spark advance, or the carbs not opening fully during the powerhead conversion. Check to be sure the plug wires are not going to ground on the cowl clamps. Did the shop transfer any parts from the old engine to the new-like the inner exhaust cover? On rare occasion these castings are porous and leak water, even though the gaskets are tight.