Change water tube grommet while powerhead is up?

[sutor623]

Hey guys,

In the past I have had to pull a powerhead (Johnson 9.9) to change a leaking water line grommet. Motor wasnt getting good flow.

Now, with my v4 Looper, I have the powerhead up, but would you guys recommend pulling the midsection apart and changing the water tube grommet while the powerhead is up? This looks to be a messy and time consuming job, but would only take that much longer if it fails down the road.

Are these a common failure? Issue is if it fails you will lose water pressure. Just wondering if it is worth the time to keep on breakin 'er down.........

 

[gm280]

Now that IS a good question. On one hand I'd say certainly. I mean change what you can while your at it. On the other hand, if there is no problem with it currently, why? But knowing me, I would certain go for it. I am just that way. Preventive maintenance is my motto. And most simplistic jobs always turns into fix everything I can "while I'm at it" syndrome. JMHO!

 

[sutor623]

Now that IS a good question. On one hand I'd say certainly. I mean change what you can while your at it. On the other hand, if there is no problem with it currently, why? But knowing me, I would certain go for it. I am just that way. Preventive maintenance is my motto. And most simplistic jobs always turns into fix everything I can "while I'm at it" syndrome. JMHO!

Yea, I guess the answer to the question right here depends on your personality type!! I, unfortunately, seem to be minded like yourself. Always over-doing it............ I wonder how many people that have cooling issues run into this problem............. I know I have seen it before so I KNOW it does happen.

 

[flyingscott]

ABSOLUTELY now is the time when it's easy

 

[sutor623]

DANG IT!! My wife is gonna kill you guys!!!!

 

[gm280]

DANG IT!! My wife is gonna kill you guys!!!!

Well if she is looking for me, I live in Australia, not middle Georgia

 

[sutor623]

Well, Id say you are safe then! Guess I am going to hammer through the factory manual on the midsection and see how I feel about this decision, and $40 in extra parts............

On another note, I have aircraft paste stripper/remover. Can I use that on the gasket surface where the powerhead and exhaust tube mounts to get the old gasket loose or should I just buy some gasket remover from the auto parts store?

 

[gm280]

Well, Id say you are safe then! Guess I am going to hammer through the factory manual on the midsection and see how I feel about this decision, and $40 in extra parts............

On another note, I have aircraft paste stripper/remover. Can I use that on the gasket surface where the powerhead and exhaust tube mounts to get the old gasket loose or should I just buy some gasket remover from the auto parts store?

suter623, First of all, I really don't live in Australia, unless your wife comes looking for me. :facepalm:

Secondly, don't use Aircraft Stripper. Use putty knifes and/or razor blade scrappers and even a block of wood with sandpaper on it. And then use some Acetone or Lacquer Thinner before reassembling with new gaskets. That is the better safer way. Aircraft Stripper can get out of hand pretty quickly. JMHO!

 

[sutor623]

suter623, First of all, I really don't live in Australia, unless your wife comes looking for me. :facepalm:

Secondly, don't use Aircraft Stripper. Use putty knifes and/or razor blade scrappers and even a block of wood with sandpaper on it. And then use some Acetone or Lacquer Thinner before reassembling with new gaskets. That is the better safer way. Aircraft Stripper can get out of hand pretty quickly. JMHO!

10-4. Well thanks for the good advice/input guys. Only took me about 40 mins to pull the midsection off and get it broke down to access the water tube grommet and megaphone to adapter gasket. Well worth the extra $40 and maybe 2 hrs time to just get it done while I'm at it. Couldnt imagine having to pull the powerhead again to change out hat measly piece of rubber.

But, this ends up being solely a peace of mind ordeal, cause those gaskets and grommet was sealed tight!!!

On another note, it says to use an omc adhesive on the rubber grommet. Any replacement adhesive off the top of anyone's head?

 

[sutor623]

Cool guys got er swapped our. Out in a new megaphone gasket, water line plate gasket and grommet. Checked it for leaks before installing it into the midsection. Got everything decreased and cleaned up well. Midsection is back on he boat and ready for the new powerhead to be set. Took me about 3-4hrs total and well worth he peace of mind. These factory service manuals are to the T!!!