'90 60 hp johnson head gasket?

[biggjimm]

I've changed a ton of head gaskets in my time but this is my first outboard. Does it matter which side goes which way on this motor? It's a 1990 60 hp Johnson 3 cyl. & there are no markings on the gasket other than the part # 329836 stamped on one side & it is identical from one side to the other as far as everything lining up. I've got a manual ordered but it's not here yet & I'd like to button this back up today .By the way it's a OEM Johnson gasket. Thanks. Jim .

 

[boobie]

It should make no difference. One thing. If the new gasket says " use no sealer", don't.

 

[biggjimm]

It doesn't say anything about sealer .Should I put a thing layer on the water jacket or just put it on bare? The factory gasket I took off looked like it had a thin layer of what looked like hi-tac or some other spray on type of sealant on the head & block both.

 

[boobie]

Look real closely again at it. If it's not there use OMC gasket sealing compound or Permatex # 3.

 

[biggjimm]

I double checked it & the only marks on it are a letter M inside a square box followed by the part #. This gasket is just plain old gray head gasket material not like the newer gaskets I'm used to using on auto & bike applications that have the silicone like material around all the water ports & everything in fact back in the day when we used this type of "old school" gasket they had to be re-torqued after heating the motor up to operating temperature & I'm guessing that will need to be done with this gasket as well?? Thanks, Jim.

 

[boobie]

Read post # 4 again and re-torque after a few hot and cold cycles.

 

[biggjimm]

Thanks boobie. I've got her all buttoned up ready to go to the lake as soon as the water levels come back down about 40' to where they're supposed to be & I get some kind of warning light on here so I know if I have another problem with it overheating. Thanks again for your help .Jim.