Common Problem?

[Derangedmadman]

I recently had a piston burn up in an 87 115 hp from being leaned out when the middle port cover had 2 bolts loosen up letting air in.

I just bought a 85 90 hp to replace it and noticed as I was taking it apart there was a bolt missing (found it down in the lower cowling) in one of the port covers.

Is this a common problem with the tower of powers and should I use some loctite when putting them back or just torque to specs?

 

[corm]

Re: Common Problem?

Hi,

I would "just torque to specs".
You have to do it twice as the gasket compresses a lot on these
engines.

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Common Problem?

I may be paranoid, but I Loctite everything, red internals and blue externals.

I also silicone every gasket except head gaskets, but beware, only a very small amount, smeared as thin as possible, almost as if you are trying to wipe it OFF, leaving only a trace amount. Then I let it hang and dry 5 to 10 minutes before assembly as too much and too wet is so slick as to cause a gasket to push out and tear, and beside, who wants any of those goobers hanging out.

Blue Loctite, torque to spec, re-torque immediately pulling as S L O W as possible, you may get almost another 1/8 turn with gasket compression.

Clean, wipe with acetone rag and paint completely. Looks perfect and if anything moves or flexes at all I'll see the crack or flake in the paint.