Split engine block and found plastic

[restretch1]

I broke open my block and found plastic on one side of the cork gaskit. I was wondering if this could have contributted to loss of power. It's on an 89 200hp mercury black max.<br />

 

[Keith Buchanan]

Re: Split engine block and found plastic

Sounds like somebody put silicone or loctite on the gasket when last assembled, could do with some more background on the problem..

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Split engine block and found plastic

hello sounds like the last one to have the block open forgot to take of the plastic adhesive protection before installing the gasket. see it all the time with reed box gaskets on OMC.<br /> good luck but we really need stuff like compression and other info to assist with power loss questions.

 

[emckelvy]

Re: Split engine block and found plastic

The cork strips have a paper covering on them when you get them from the dlr. You peel them off before sticking to the case.<br /><br />What looked like plastic is probably the hardened adhesive that holds the strips in place while you're assembling the front cover to the block.<br /><br />If it had been running all this time like that, I doubt that would have been it. You'd also note weepage from the crankcase joint, too, if there was something going on there.<br /><br />As noted, compression checks and piston/ring/bores condition are other important factors. Assuming also you ran thru ign and carburetion possibilites before teardown.

 

[restretch1]

Re: Split engine block and found plastic

Thanks for reply. I broke down the motor because of low compression 102 #2 108#4 115#6 116#1 118#3 119#5. I have a ranger boat with 200hp mercury black max and could barely tow a tuber. However, if you read this I would be curious to know how much scoreing on a piston before it needs replacing.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[restretch1]

Re: Split engine block and found plastic

hhhh

 

[KCLOST]

Re: Split engine block and found plastic

Alright!!! Calm down a minute....<br /><br /><br />First off, Cork Gasket???? Are you refering to the powerhead gasket or one or both of the cylinder head gaskets? I assume you are refering to the powerhead gasket... If so, I don't think this would result in a loss of power unless you have a signifigant amount of water leaks at that junction....<br /><br />Your compression readings don't sound too bad (actually pretty good)<br /><br />But tell me what gasket you are refering to, was it leaking water, exhaust, etc...