89 force 50 HP leaking cooling water- help -

Eddie Rivera

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 19, 2013
Messages
183
I have a question---- Got 89 force 50 HP - leaking water from the gap between the block by the bottom spark plug and the metal mount plate. I tried to tighten the bolts and noticed that the one near the solenoid took another full turn. Obviously it is the the exhaust gasket. I took the section with the gears out for inspection ad found a peace of the gasket that dropped out from exhaust. For the water not to puddle up I made the two little drain holes a bit bigger to prevent puddling up and shorting out the electrical system. -- I know I need to change the exhaust gasket but my shop wants $750 alledging it's an all day job.

MY QUESTION --- can I run like this for a season? Water leaking is warm and I still see the exhaust holes spitting out warm water and motor is staying cool. Perhaps I can make the holes bigger? Perhaps I could use the hole on top of the block near the thermostat to install a pisser and add a tell tale to be able to see water flowing at all times and perhaps decreasing the amount and the pressure of the water leaking out? My goal is to not blow the motor but I'm tired of working on it and spending money on it for 3 months without even putting it in the water after I just bought it. Please advise!!!
 

pnwboat

Rear Admiral
Joined
Oct 8, 2007
Messages
4,251
Re: 89 force 50 HP leaking cooling water- help -

I'm not 100% sure but I believe that spot is where the cooling water exits the block and is dumped into the exhaust cavity. If it is, then it's not a show stopper. Just have to watch out for water getting onto your ignition system. Maybe someone else can chime in.

If it is just the adapter plate gasket, then yes you have to pull the power head. Might just try taking some silicone sealer and apply to the parting line between the power head and adapter plate as a temporary fix. I'm not sure if I'd enlarge any holes etc.
 

tater76

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 7, 2010
Messages
712
Re: 89 force 50 HP leaking cooling water- help -

If it were mine, I would fix it before running it again. The only reason I say that is because when underway,that water pressure builds quite high. It could easily get out of hand, spraying water out that could get into the ignition system or into the carb. The 50hp powerhead is a breeze to remove, and is light enough for one guy to pull. You can have the new gasket installed in an afternoon if you are diligent. Although, if you are not familiar with it, plan a weekend.
 

Eddie Rivera

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 19, 2013
Messages
183
Re: 89 force 50 HP leaking cooling water- help -

Thanks guys! I mentioned about using the hole used for a water pressure gage it is now plugged but I saw several guys add a pisser from that opening so they could see the water flowing and I thought I could do it to lower the pressure. Do you guys think that would help? I just want to use it this season and at the end of it work on it taking my time and making sure everything is done right. I've had it since January and have fixed issue after issue and hundreds and hundreds and I'm a bit fed up now. I just want you guys opinion on weather I could have a major problem or not and if I could add a pisser to lower the pressure? Please advise.
 

Eddie Rivera

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 19, 2013
Messages
183
Re: 89 force 50 HP leaking cooling water- help -

If it helps - the water leaking out is warm just like te one being spot out by the two holes. The drain holes in talking about are the little holes in the cowling rear area or propeller rear area of the cowling. I made them bigger for the water not to puddle up. Is that ok?
 

jerryjerry05

Supreme Mariner
Joined
May 7, 2008
Messages
18,071
Re: 89 force 50 HP leaking cooling water- help -

Adding a pee tube won't make much difference.
Where you located?
There are a few guys on here that would do it cheaper.
Just replacing the gasket,$250-350
 

Eddie Rivera

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 19, 2013
Messages
183
Re: 89 force 50 HP leaking cooling water- help -

I'm in onatario Southern California 35 miles east of down town Los Angeles. I need a trust worthy shop. I'm tired of racist or shops who lie and take advantage so I choose to try to fix it my self just to avoid and prevent confrontations. Any suggestions?
I put gasket maker in the area leaking water. I know it's a Mickey Mouse but I've had this busy since January and its been one thing after the other.
I want to put it in the water now
 
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