Water leak from side of motor?

[77Chrysler85hp]

I'm in the process of getting this motor ready for my boat (77 Chrysler 85hp). I've cleaned the carbs, installed new water impeller, and a few other things. While the motor was running, I noticed that water was slowly dripping down the side of the engine next to the wire panel. I'm assuming this is where the engine is being cooled via the water pump. I've placed a green arrow next to where the water is dripping. Would someone please tell me what this could be. I hope I would only need to replace a gasket.

Thanks,

 

[nathanhooper]

Re: Water leak from side of motor?

I am new to this outboard motor thing. But in my process of learning, the hard way, I have managed to take apart a lot of things and have pictures of them. Where you are getting water from is most likely out of the water passage on the inside of the exhaust. I will attach a picture. I am going to say that all is needed is a new gasket. When you pull the cover off, you will be able to tell. Mine was leaking, I didn't know it, but when I pulled it off for different reasons, I could see where water was getting by and corroding a bolt.

That will be your biggest issue. Hopefully you will not twist off the heads of the bolts when you take it off. Behind the cover (pictured below) is a metal plate that separates the water jacket from the exhaust. If you want more pictures just p.m. me and I'll get them to you.

 

[nathanhooper]

Re: Water leak from side of motor?

The corrosion you see is on the bottom part of the cover. Just fyi if you are trying to picture it on your motor.

 

[nathanhooper]

Re: Water leak from side of motor?

You can also see where the gasket failed and the corrosion was taking place on the middle-top bolt. It would be on the right side if you were looking at it on the motor. But I think you can get the idea.

 

[john from md]

Re: Water leak from side of motor?

That is your exhaust chest and the plate covering it has a gasket under it. Be carefull removing those bolts as they have a tendency to snap off resulting in drilling and inserting helicoils in each.

John