head gasket?

[ztim]

I took my '78 6hp to a mechanic the other day at a local marine dealer. I had been screwing around trying to fix the motor all summer to no avail. I replaced the impeller because the motor ran, cut off, ran again for another few minutes and then cut off again. The impeller was worn out. Now it won't start at all.

The mechanic told me it may be the head gasket and that he'd call when he found out anything. That was two days ago. What are the chances the metal could be damaged? I was told it could be ground to a point. What is the damage limit on these motors where it would not be worth fixing at all?

 

[gjm]

Re: head gasket?

Thats a good question. Wait till mechanic gives info. on motor. Then decide if it is cheeper to fix or buy a differant one. Pluss the sentimental value of it.

 

[ztim]

Re: head gasket?

The sentimental value of it is what will make me put more into it to keep it going. I'm just worried if there will be a high machinist bill.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: head gasket?

You would be surprised at how much clearance there is between the piston and the head. Take out the plugs and use a bent piece of wire to get a feel for it. Only problem is that on the six, the plug goes into the head straight so you need to be sure to leave room for the electrode. I have a 15 that had a bad head gasket and the leaking gases burned a groove into the block. I milled off over .060 and still had clearance because on that engine, the plugs are angled. Compression went up to 145 PSI but it is still not difficult to pull start and runs well.

A machinist will charge somewhere between 50-100 to mill or "deck" the block. But you must disassemble the engine and deliver him a bare block. If only the head is damaged, you can try to mill it or try to find a replacement.

Once you find out what your situation is, go to an old outboard site or contact Franz Marine at the Chrysler Crew for parts.

Good luck!