running on one cyl

mrcrw009

Seaman
Joined
Dec 26, 2010
Messages
73
i have a 1976 35 hp evinrude rope start. both cylinders have great spark being i just put new electrical everything on it. they jump a 1/4 inch easy. but when i start it, it is only running on the bottom cyl. i don't think fuel is an issue because the bottom cyl has plenty of it. but when i pull the top spark plug out it is not oily at all but very clean. so my first thought was that there is water in it. but there is no smoke. is it possible that if there was a little water in it that the spark plug would not fire right after i dried it and reinstalled?
 

Daviet

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Sep 24, 2008
Messages
8,958
Re: running on one cyl

If you have a bad head gasket it could allow water into the cylinder and cause it not to fire, have you checked compression?
 

mrcrw009

Seaman
Joined
Dec 26, 2010
Messages
73
Re: running on one cyl

no i have not but it has been running good for a couple months then all of a sudden it started this and i just put a new head gasket on it three months ago. but i took it off and put it back on once at that time.
 

boobie

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 5, 2009
Messages
20,826
Re: running on one cyl

If it is water, it could also be getting in from the exhaust cover gaskets.
 

mrcrw009

Seaman
Joined
Dec 26, 2010
Messages
73
Re: running on one cyl

well i pulled the head off and i found what looked to be like some blow by on the head gasket. i know this is a crush gasket and supposed to be a one time deal but is there any tricks to reuse it like sealant or do i just have to buy another one?
 

Daviet

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Sep 24, 2008
Messages
8,958
Re: running on one cyl

To do it properly you need to install a new head gasket. Make sure the head is flat and torque it properly.
 
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