4.5 hp - water on plugs, with new head gasket

[G26]

First post here... been out of boating for a long time. When I was last into boating, Chevy didn't even have a website. That give you an idea? I own a 1958 Johnson 7.5 that runs like a top, and used to own a Glasstream bass boat with a 70hp Evinrude.<br /><br />I've now got a Johnson 4.5, model J5RCS. I understand "J" is Johnson, 5 is hp (?), "R" is rope start and "CS" is 1980. By my measurement, top of transom to cav plate is around 18 inches. Not the usual 15 or 20 that folks often speak of. Short shaft, or not? <br /><br />I replaced the water pump (impeller was in pieces), including cup, plate and all gaskets. Found what I thought was water on the plugs also, so I figured the head gasket was shot as well. Replaced the head gasket, but the old one looked OK by my eye. Ran it today after work for about an hour, and when I got it home I pulled the plugs again. When I tap the plug in my palm, along with some gas is what appears to be small water droplets. If it matters, when I transport it I lay the motor on its side in the bottom of the boat, in the back of my pickup.<br /><br />Anyone have an idea of what might be the problem, if there is one? It starts right up, and runs as strong as I'd expect a 4.5 to run. It planes the boat. It's on a 12 ft Landau jon boat. I'm happy with it - - if it weren't for the water on the plugs.<br /><br />Thanks in advance for your replies. I've been wearing out the search function of your site looking for answers.... but haven't found anything specific to my problem. I know I need to check compression, but I don't own a tester. I need to buy one, but until then...<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Glock26

 

[G26]

Re: 4.5 hp - water on plugs, with new head gasket

<Bump><br />Can anyone help me with this?<br />The water amounts to maybe 2 drops, smaller than a BB, when I forcefully tap the plug in my palm. Could it be from water in the fuel? I don't think there is, but I'm not certain.<br /><br />Thanks,<br />Brian

 

[DJ]

Re: 4.5 hp - water on plugs, with new head gasket

What did you torque the head bolts to?

 

[Xcusme]

Re: 4.5 hp - water on plugs, with new head gasket

A key element in your first post, is that the impeller was in pieces, bad gaskets, worn impeller cup. If there was little or no water circulation, and a salt water motor, overheating may have occured at some time. When you replaced the head gasket, did you look to see if the head itself was warped?? Did you run a compression test on both holes before the head gasket replacement and then again after?? <br />Note: I see now from your post, that you have not yet done the compression test. Do the test, post back the results. If you suspect water in the fuel, drain thhe entire fuel system and carb bowl and tank. This will eliminate all doubt about water in the fuel.

 

[G26]

Re: 4.5 hp - water on plugs, with new head gasket

Head bolts are torqued to... well, the mechanic I spoke with said it wasn't real necessary to use a torque wrench on this motor, as they should only be torqued to 40-65 in. lbs. He said to get them tight using 3 fingers on a 1/4 ratchet, which is what I did. They're as even as I could get them with that method. No difference between old gasket and new, in regards to the water in the cylinders.<br /><br />The head was placed on a piece of 1/2" glass, and checked for warpage, but I didn't notice any. Seemed to be flat all around. Wasn't used in salt water.<br /><br />Guess I'll have to invest in a compression gauge. I'll pick on up tonight, and report back here after checking it. I'll also drain the fuel system to eliminate that.<br /><br />Thanks, guys.<br />Brian

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 4.5 hp - water on plugs, with new head gasket

If gasket is fine, and you rule out fuel as a source, then the last possibility is a gasket in the exhaust cover is leaking. It's been known to happen...<br /><br />- Scott

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: 4.5 hp - water on plugs, with new head gasket

If it overheated bad it could also be coming in from the exhaust plate gasket. On the port side of your engine the exhaust gasses come directly out of the cylinders alongside a water jacket. <br />But I think the head is far more likely, especially since it hasn't been torqued correctly nor do I see where you've retorqued it since a heat up/cool down cycle. It will need it.<br />I usually go right ahead and surface the head rather than check it for warpage. 1/2" glass, some 240 grit paper wetted with water, and a figure-8 pattern is all it takes.<br /><br />EDIT: Pardon there, Chinewalker! You beat me to it.

 

[DJ]

Re: 4.5 hp - water on plugs, with new head gasket

It's not unheard of to get "water spash" on the plugs from other sources. Just like what Chinewalker mentioned.

 

[G26]

Re: 4.5 hp - water on plugs, with new head gasket

I bought an "Actron" brand compression gauge tonight, and it worked just long enough to find that one of two cylinders is at 80psi. Then it quit working. Didn't work long enough to check the other cylinder, and I don't think the thing was accurate, anyway. Back to AutoZone tomorrow....<br /><br />Can someone recommend a decent (cheap) tester that is more reliable?<br /><br />BTW - re-torqued the head after a 1 hour run at pretty much WOT, the bolts' torque is as even as I can get them.<br /><br />Brian