power head base gasket leak

[Herr Mustang]

I have a 1988 johnson 88spl v-4. It smokes excessively upon starting after its been running for a while and shows a thick tar like oil runing down the mid section from under the cowling. i can see that it appears to be leaking oil around the base of the power head toward the back of the motor.

My question was is it safe to run like that at least for a while and also can you run the motor with the return tubing disconnected and capped off to prevent the smokey and sometimes difficult start? i'm new to this motor after having run a chrysler for many years, any tips would be appreciated. thanks

 

[Dhadley]

Re: power head base gasket leak

The leaking black goo can indeed be from a bad base gasket or from a cracked exhaust housing. Not that uncommon.

Not sure what you mean by capping off the return tubing........

 

[Herr Mustang]

Re: power head base gasket leak

the tube that i believe would be similar to an EGR on a car, connecting to the air box, bottom right hand side looking at the carbs. just wondering if disconnecting that tube would do any good, or would even be safe.

 

[WestPoint]

Re: power head base gasket leak

That is probably just the drain hose from the air silencer base- it won't do any good to disconnect it, since your leak is probably the base gasket (powerhead to adapter gasket). I've read that it probably won't hurt to run it while it's leaking- what you see running down the side would have went out through your exhaust anyway. It might effect back pressure I suppose, so you should do it when able.

When you do get a chance to pull your powerhead and replace it, it would also be a good time to replace all your hoses (fuel, oil, recirculation) and check the functioning of your recirculation check valves and fittings. Basically do things then since you will have easy access.

 

[WestPoint]

Re: power head base gasket leak

One other important note: make sure you don't see any water leaking out- that gasket might be compromised where the cooling water comes in. Would be a good idea to have a water pressure gauge- they are inexpensive insurance.