1963 mercury 50 horse leak

[mindfusion]

hey gents, your the experts so I figured I would ask this question. I just bought a old 63 I believe 50 horse motor. it is a 15*** serial number so I think it is supposed to be white, but it is painted cheap black. anyhow it leaks out by the spark plugs, the guy i bought it from said it is because the hose puts out more pressure than the water pump does when your on the water.I don't want to ruin the motor becuase it has good compression and runs good. but is this true or do I need to fix something? please email me if you know. I don't get on here much. I would greatly appreciate help. mindfusion@msn.com thanks alot in advance

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 1963 mercury 50 horse leak

hello<br /> nope ya got snookered by the old runs bettern a new one pitch. the problem is the top of the cylinder jug has corroded. now you have to remove the water cover. most times the cyl jug tops are very corroded. I have repaired many in the past with JB weld and a good flat file. usually the water cover is pitted as well so we smooth it with weld as well. then use perfect seal on both side of the gasket. but make sure all the bolts come out before you fall in love with the motor. most times if the cyl top is corroded so is the exhaust divider plate. a friend of mine fixed a 115 inline by cleaning the cover/cyl area of paint and just epoxied the gap. worked until the divider plate let go.<br /> good luck buy a manual and go for it.

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: 1963 mercury 50 horse leak

When you ask a question here, it kind of behoves you to check back here, I'm way too lazy to email. <br /><br />Rodbolt is right, you have "issues" where the water jacket cover meets the block. The only problem is, those bolts that hold that cover on will prolly break, and then you'll have to pull the powerhead and spend about a day with a drill getting them all out of there. But it is the way to "fix it right".<br /><br />The good news is that the pressure there is very low. If you can get the area CLEAN and DRY, you can usually get it stopped without taking anything apart using black automotive Silicone Seal applied where the cover meets the spark plug bosses. Just leave enough "naked" to get the plugs back in without them hitting it. Yes, I know it's tight in there. Give it a couple days to fully cure before you try runnnning it again. <br /><br />A little "weepage" around there is harmless, as long things aren't getting wet enough to impact the wires or proper firing.<br /><br />-W

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 1963 mercury 50 horse leak

yep Ill second ya on that clams. I dont mess with the old stuff for that reason . tomuch corrosion in my area.<br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[mindfusion]

Re: 1963 mercury 50 horse leak

thanks for the quick replies. I am just looking for a motor to get me around for fishing. is there any danger of this water getting in the cylinders on will it just continue to dribble out around the plugs?

 

[mindfusion]

Re: 1963 mercury 50 horse leak

clams- do you think jb weld would work good? I spoke with a local outboard shop and they said it would not hurt the motor to run it this way. I would just have to watch my cooling unless I plugged up the leaks. JB weld anyone?

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: 1963 mercury 50 horse leak

I used the local epoxy equivalent here on my 50HP 1st and 2nd cyl. No problems at all. Not a drop of water so far. Just take your time and prepare the surface well. Keep it all clean.