Leaks around head gasket?

[bryanredfish]

OK, got a real shock today. Went to flush the motor with the hose attachment (this is a 2002 Merc, 90 h.p. Saltwater series, by the way), and noticed what appeared to be some salt crystals around the head gaskets, at least I THINK these are the head gaskets. I tasted the crystals, and it is indeed salt (I only run in salt water). The motor has around 100 hours on it, and it has been meticulously maintained, and this really freaks me out! It also runs great, after having had a few "bugs" worked out. <br /><br />Obviously, I need to get it to the mechanic, but can anyone give me an idea of what problem I might be looking at. Compression is good -- 115, 115, 116 cold check. Is it just a matter of re-torquing the head bolts? Thanks for all your help.

 

[dmessy]

Re: Leaks around head gasket?

Not to worry, retorque head to be sure but cystals can form by osmosis or condesation on the gasket edges.

 

[bryanredfish]

Re: Leaks around head gasket?

dmessy, thanks for the response. Man, I'm so overly cautious about this new boat of mine! Can I retorque the heads myself?

 

[ob]

Re: Leaks around head gasket?

bryanredfish,You can retorque yourself if you can obtain the following<br /><br />Torque wrench that will read in inch pounds.Values below 20 ft lbs.are more accurately obtained with inch pound adj.wrench. <br /><br />Torque value for your particular heads in foot lbs or inch pounds.(1 foot lb.= 12 in.lbs.) <br /><br />Torque sequence for your heads,or tighten as per rule of thumb by starting in middle of head and using an alternating pattern work your way to the ends ironing head as you go. <br /> <br />Example: <br />5 6<br />1 2<br />3 4<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br />This procedure should have been performed at 20 hr check.Be careful not to overtorque bolts.