water coming out of spark plug hole

[gjm]

When starting the motor for spring go over, it started right away and had good water flow. I then noticed water coming out where it is not supposed to. I took off the coweling and saw water coming out of the top spark plug, 3 cyl., between the male plug threads and the female thread insert in the motor housing or head. It seamed like the engine was running fine, sounded good. Any ideas?

 

[pnwboat]

Re: water coming out of spark plug hole

Can't say for sure because you didn't happen to mention what year and horsepower 3 cyl. motor you have, but I would guess that the seal between the cylinder head cover (#73 in diag. below) and the head (#82 in diag. below) has failed. Fairly easy fix, but you have to remove the head.

http://www.crowleymarine.com/mercury_parts/1244/60.cfm

Water circulates through the head. The cylinder head cover seals the water passage in the head. There is no gasket, just silicone sealant. I've used Permatex Ultra Black, and Ultra Grey with good success. The reason you have to remove the head (at least in the example I show) is because the head bolts also hold the cover in place.

 

[mrwiggles2]

Re: water coming out of spark plug hole

This should be an easy fix. Just had to put on a new head due to stripped spark plug holes. May sure you do not over tighten those spark plugs! If you go just a little too far on that soft aluminum they will strip. While used heads aren't a lot of money, its the time finding one and lost time on the water.

 

[gjm]

Re: water coming out of spark plug hole

Sorry I didn't mention the type of motor because its a 60hp Mercury,1984 3cyl. I posted it in the Mercury site but didn't get many responses. I was thinking head gasket but wanted more input. The force site is much more informative and quicker. Thanks again

 

[pnwboat]

Re: water coming out of spark plug hole

Well, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do to get answers LOL!

The Mercury head (or at least the part that you would think was referred to as the head) is set up a little differently than the Force engines. I have no experience on the Mercury motors, however, in looking at the engine block diagram, I would guess the head gasket.


Good luck!