Need help identifying gas/oil leak

[willinokc]

When checking some other stuff on a 1960 Johnson 40 hp seahorse I noticed what looks to be an oil/gas leak on the head cover. Image attached. At first I though maybe leaking around the spark plug but upon closer inspection maybe it could be around the compression release valve. I recently had the cover off to check the coolant channels, could one of the bolts be leaking if I didn't tighten in the right sequence?

Note, I checked the manual (clymer) to see if it could shed some light and that's were I realized there was supposed to be a sequence when putting the bolts back on.

 

[bktheking]

Re: Need help identifying gas/oil leak

Yes, you should loosen the bolts and retorque them in the proper sequence, may get rid of the leak.

 

[rolmops]

Re: Need help identifying gas/oil leak

When you use the rope starter on that engine,it will open the pressure relief valve just a bit in order to make starting easier (less compression).It is only natural that sometimes a bit of oil gets out while starting.
Are you sure that you have a 1960 40 horse? That head belongs to a 1957 35 horse.

 

[willinokc]

Re: Need help identifying gas/oil leak

Pretty sure it's a 40 hp but will double check. Will tighten up bolts in sequence to see if that fixes the leak.

 

[willinokc]

Re: Need help identifying gas/oil leak

Double checked and serial number is rds-22, from everything I've been able to find out that jives with a Johnson 40 hp, 1960 model. Head cover looks original to the motor.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Need help identifying gas/oil leak

That picture is way too small to see anything of value! it does look reddish though as if from a 35hp. But they're different sizes form the 35 and the 40 so unlikely it could have been swapped.

 

[rolmops]

Re: Need help identifying gas/oil leak

I did not mean the complete head.I meant the compression release chamber cover.

 

[R.Johnson]

Re: Need help identifying gas/oil leak

Check that the spark plugs are tight enough to seal.

 

[willinokc]

Re: Need help identifying gas/oil leak

Just an update. Loosened and then tightened bolts in the right sequence. Looks like it may have stopped the leak.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Need help identifying gas/oil leak

did you use a new gasket.

 

[willinokc]

Re: Need help identifying gas/oil leak

did you use a new gasket.

Gasket wasn't torn too bad so used some liquid gasket for a temp fix. Will order new gasket as soon as I find a part number for it.