Milky Spark Plugs

[filthyoar]

Hey everybody. I just had an impeller go out on me. The motor got hot and died out. I let it cool for a while and started it back up and limped back to the dock knowing the engine wasen't getting water cooled. I just replaced the whole water pump. I ran the motor today and pulled the plugs and they had a milky residue on both cylinders. Obviously water is entering the cylinders somewhere. I have no clue about outboards. Can anyone HELP? It's a 1984 35HP mercury 2cyl.

 

[emckelvy]

Re: Milky Spark Plugs

Since apparently the block isn't cracked from overheating, I'd think it's most likely that the exhaust manifold gaskets got "cooked" and are now leaking & throwing water into the cylinders.

So, you'll probably want to remove the outer/inner exhaust manifold covers and replace the gaskets. Take a good look at the inner exhaust cover/baffle and if it shows signs of severe corrosion, replace it. If it's perforated, that's your leak.

Note that the back cover over the cyl block is likely to leak in the future due to the gasket getting "baked" so you might want to do that one at the same time as the exhaust manifold covers.

Use heat (propane or MAPP torch) to loosen the cover bolts if they're stuck, you really really don't want to break any!

It's also important to torque the cover bolts to spec when you're done. The back cover is around 80 inch-lbs for 1/4" fasteners. If I recall, the 5/16" fasteners on the manifold cover would be torqued to approx 150 inch-lbs. Any 1/4" bolts on this cover would have the same 80 in-lb torque.

HTH.........ed

 

[bajabreaker]

Re: Milky Spark Plugs

Are these gaskets installed dry or is some type of sealer recommended? Should the bolts have anti-sieze, oil or locktite applied? I have the same repair to do on my 115 inline 6 shortly. I picked up the replacement gaskets at my local merc dealer.