Water leak 1993 Johnson 115 V4

[runninfarmer]

I'm having problems locating a leak. It seems to be dripping from bottom of the lower port cylinder head. The motor is a 1993 Johnson 115, model VJ115TLETS. Is it a leaky water jacket gasket, head gasket, or something else? I've posted a video of the leak on youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcw4yl8Qegc. I've checked compression and it's 110-115 psi on all cylinders. I did notice black oil coming out of the cylinders after pulling the spark plugs. Is that normal? Thanks for the help!

 

[interalian]

Has it ever overheated? Could be head gasket.

 

[runninfarmer]

Haven't had it in the water yet, just got it. Not sure if it's ever overheated. I found this older post talking about cracks in the water jacket: http://forums.iboats.com/forum/engi...n-115-vro-water-leak-at-head-need-help-please. Do you think this is was it could be. If so, can I try to apply Marine Tex under the head without removing it? Or do I need to remove the head regardless?

 

[interalian]

Without identifying the actual leak, applying any sealant would be at best a guess. I think you need to find the source of the leak before you try anything. Start high checking for water along the way. May need to pull the head to inspect properly. Freezing temperatures with water left in the block (tilted and stored after use without tilting down to vertical to drain) can crack the block.

 

[Faztbullet]

It appear to be head gasket, try re torqueing....

 

[runninfarmer]

Well, it's as bad as I thought it was. Cylinders fine, not one but two cracks in water jacket though. Major one where water deflector is. Hard to tell, but looks like a patch was put there previously? I would like to just do the JB weld or Marine Tex route. It's been asked before, but based on the following pics, what does everyone recommend for my cracked water jacket?:

 

[Faztbullet]

Yep didn't drain completely and froze....JB weld good temp fix if clean.

 

[emdsapmgr]

Since that is not a critical dimensional area , you could remove the whole powerhead and have it aluminum welded. Should last for another 25 years....

 

[interalian]

Since that is not a critical dimensional area , you could remove the whole powerhead and have it aluminum welded. Should last for another 25 years....

This would be my choice.

 

[boobie]

Me too, the welding trick.

 

[Bosunsmate]

Yep didn't drain completely and froze....JB weld good temp fix if clean.

If it as me id go with it this as moneys tight and removing powerhead can be a pain if you encounter frozen bolts. Its only in the watercase and so if it unlikely springs another leak long after you have used jb Weld you will still get home ok as its down the bottom there