1989 force 125 water bottom 2 cylinders!

[Peteypablo25]

Hello all,
I recently bought a 1985 Bayliner Capri Cuddy with a 1989 Force 125 on it for $800. It starts and runs but only on the top 2 cylinders. I checked spark with the plug to the block and looks OK. Seemed to be getting gas because when I pulled the plugs there was gas/mix on them. The problem is that I also noticed tiny water droplets on the bottom 2 plugs with the bottom one looking the worst. It was also sparkly clean. I have since replaced the plugs, replaced the head gasket and reassembled and Im still only running on the top 2 cylinders with water still visible on the bottom 2. The top cylinder has a score in it so I was thinking of just parting this out and buying something else but, the compression checked out good on all 4. I also don't have much to spend so I am going to see if I can get it running for the time being (with your help hopefully).

I have done some searching and read up on a possible exhaust gasket problem?...Can someone who has the time explain this to me in a little bit of detail?...I have a clymers manual and would like to give this a shot but Im not even sure which gasket it is/how to get to it/the difficulty of the job etc.etc...I would GREATLY APPRECIATE it if someone can explain it to me in "laymens terms". My 6 year old is getting impatient lol

Thanks in advance,
Pete

 

[Peteypablo25]

Re: 1989 force 125 water bottom 2 cylinders!

I am trying to get started on this possibly this or next weekend. I have done some more searching and am thinking of removing the exhaust cover. I dont have my manual in front of me (im at work) but i am assuming this is the cover on the left side of the powerhead when looking at it from the back. Anyone know if this could be the cause of my water issue?...I am trying to find the easiest things to rule out first as I don't really want to remove the powerhead unless necessary. Im not a mechanic but am willing to do whatever it takes to get this running as long as it doesnt involve too much spending. Gaskets seem like the way to go for now. ANY help or advice will be apreciated. If this got posted twice I apologize, i posted earlier but didnt see it go through. Can someone steer me in a good starting direction?

Thanks again,
pete

 

[pnwboat]

Re: 1989 force 125 water bottom 2 cylinders!

Exhaust cover gaskets (should be 2 of them) would be the next most likely cause if you've already done the head gasket. Make sure the replacement gaskets match up to water passages between the block and exhaust cover. There's a couple of versions. Yes the exhaust cover is on the left side (Port) of the motor looking forward from the back of the boat. You do not have to remove the power head to do it. It may be a little cramped to get to the bottom bolts though. Use caution when removing the bolts. They tend to get corroded and it's not that hard to break them off. Once you get the cover off, there is a stainless steel baffle plate. Don't be alarmed if it's really warped. This is normal. You can replace it if you want. Runs about $50 -$60.

 

[Peteypablo25]

Re: 1989 force 125 water bottom 2 cylinders!

Thank you very much.....Im going to go ahead and order those gaskets today...anything in particular to use for loosening those bolts?...I have a propane torch and was thinking some penetrating oil but didnt know if there were any specific tricks. Also, anything else I should look for while Im in there?....Again, thanks alot for your help...Ill post my results after I finish.

Pete

 

[Peteypablo25]

Re: 1989 force 125 water bottom 2 cylinders!

Also, any sealent to use?...i have some high temp copper spray sealant and also some black permatex...any advice as to use any of these or not?

 

[pnwboat]

Re: 1989 force 125 water bottom 2 cylinders!

The propane torch and penetrating oil as you suggested are options. Also lightly tapping in the head of the bolt can help too. Sealant isn't absolutely necessary, but I've used the Permatex "Ultra Grey" with good success. It's really sticky stuff and tough stuff after it fully cures. Clean off all sealing surfaces with some non-residual cleaner. Acetone or carburetor cleaner. Use the sealant sparingly. You don't want any excess sealant to ooze out and accidentally seal off a water passage. The water passages in the exhaust cover are pretty small. Look for sand, small pebbles or any other debris that may have lodged in the water passages in the exhaust cover and block. Let the sealant set up for a few hours before firing it up.

 

[Peteypablo25]

Re: 1989 force 125 water bottom 2 cylinders!

Alright sounds good. Youve been really helpful in getting me started. i was going to junk the motor and give up but I think ill try this and stick it out if it doesn't get expensive on me. Thanks alot for your suggestions...Ill be back next week with some results
Pete

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: 1989 force 125 water bottom 2 cylinders!

If the water is in two adjacent cylinders??
You sure the head was re-installed right?
It wasn't warped?
I had a gasket go bad and the motor still had good compression.
If the boat was ever in salt water the screws on the side cover can be a bummer.
Like pnwboat says,heat and tap and PB Blaster.
Then heat and tap,tap,tap and more PB.
Then GENTLY try to move the screw.About 1/20 of a turn then turn back and forth and the more PB and tap,tap,tap.
It took me almost 2 hours to remove the 4 screws on the thermostat housing.
Even then I broke the top of one screw.J

 

[Peteypablo25]

Re: 1989 force 125 water bottom 2 cylinders!

It definitly could still be the head. What I didn't mention was that I let my "backyard mechanic" friend help me out when we removed the head. One bolt broke off and he tried removing the head by sliding it off the broken bolt. It was corroded to the head so he "tapped it" (not quite a tap) with a sludge. I know, dumb idea, I told him maybe he shouldn't be wacking aluminum with a sludge! but he thought he knew what he was doing and I let him go. Needless to say he cracked the head so I bought a used one off Ebay. $40 good deal but its used..probably warped and might not be sealing correctly. i threw it on to give it a shot and same problem. However, I figured the exhaust gaskets aren't expensive so, before I throw another head gasket on and maybe get it machined, Im gonna try this. If this doesn't work then Im going back to the head. if that doesn't work then Ill probably be asking more questions or seeing who wants to buy a used force running on 2 cylinders!
Surprisingly the exhaust cover bolts are extremely easy to remove. It doesnt even seem like they are torqued down. Im still waiting on my gaskets to arrive so I didn't remove it yet but I was going to see if they were seized and none were. P.O. mustve done some work on this maybe. Now I just gotta figure out how to get those bottom 3 removed. I cant fit a socket down there. Do I have to remove the piece of the cover (not sure what its called..lower cowling maybe?). Or maybe just some small wrenches. Ill take a look tonight after work but if anyone has any tricks for this Im all ears. Thanks for the input!

pete

 

[pnwboat]

Re: 1989 force 125 water bottom 2 cylinders!

Might be able to use a ratcheting box end wrench to get at the bolts, or a set of 1/4" drive ratchet/sockets. You can unbolt the lower cowling. It won't come off, but you'll be able to shift it over to give you more room to get to the bolts.

 

[Peteypablo25]

Re: 1989 force 125 water bottom 2 cylinders!

Alright....thanks again. i almost feel guilty asking for advice on here from people who have the exp so I apreciate it. Ill be back in a few days with an update.