Force 120 exhaust leak question

[brianvolt7]

1990 Force 120 on Bayliner 20 ft. cuddy.

I have recently installed a new powerhead on the motor leg. I confirmed that when I changed the powerhead I did not reinstall the exhaust gasket on the leg. It is the gasket that goes on the very bottom of the exhaust leg where it enters the lower unit. It is the one that is about 4 inches square. This is causing the motor compartment to fill with exhaust and kills the motor.

Is it possible to replace this without pulling the motor and how would I go about doing this?

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Force 120 exhaust leak question

I don't know of any way to install it.Try sticking rags in the lower part till you can pull it.J

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Force 120 exhaust leak question

That should not be causing the problem if you have an older force prior to 1994 Mercury. I have had engines where the gasket was missing and had some where the flange was broken off. They all ran well.

Before you go crazy, check the exhaust bellows running from the engine leg to the rear shroud. If it is not seated in the tapered opening, reseat it. If it has a crack, replace it. This is a much more common reason for the engine compartment to fill with exhaust and stall at idle.

If you still have problems then yes, the only way to replace that gasket is to remove the powerhead again.

 

[brianvolt7]

Re: Force 120 exhaust leak question

I checked the small snout and it is sealed up good. I noted that the exhaust is coming from the very bottom. I think I will try the rags for now.

 

[87blf125]

Re: Force 120 exhaust leak question

i have an 88 force 125 and my seal was bad and it too leaked exhaust in an killed the motor and had to pull powerhead to fix it and it took care of the problem.