Re: 1985 40 hp Evinrude
The water gasket dried up and shrank...shrunk...shrinked...it got smaller. Not a big deal, but they're a pain to scrape clean. You don't have to remove the head from the motor to do it. Good thing you spotted it now or your boat might've sank...sunk...sinked...gone to the bottom.

<br /><br />Could be the head gasket instead. You'll have to have a closer look to see. Of the two, I rather replace the head gasket. Those come off much easier.