Water dripping from spark plug holes

[msk500]

Had the boat out at the lake a couple of days ago and it was hard to shift into gear without using the warmup lever to increase the speed. Took the covers off today and started it up and noticed water flowing/dripping from 2 or 3 of the spark plugs holes. What kind of problems would cause this to happen?<br /><br />Mike

 

[achris]

Re: Water dripping from spark plug holes

What engine are we talking about?<br /><br />Horsepower, year and serial number please.

 

[KCLOST]

Re: Water dripping from spark plug holes

Most likely you have leaks in the water jacket (gasket) around the plugs... But we need more info as achris asks....

 

[msk500]

Re: Water dripping from spark plug holes

Sorry about leaving out the important information. The motor is a 1973 Mercury 850, 85 hp. Serial number 3873061.

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: Water dripping from spark plug holes

Common problem... best to try to seal around the holes, trying to remove that waterjacket cover to put on a new gasket can result in broken bolts a lot of times.<br /><br />Also, that water is likely unrelated to your operational problems.<br /><br />-W

 

[msk500]

Re: Water dripping from spark plug holes

Thanks. Already got the cover off with no problems. I'll replace the gasket and put it back together and see what happens.<br /><br />Thanks again