water leak (gasket)

[newbie600rr]

I have a '82 40hp that I just put a new (used) powerhead onto. I started it up today and I had a water leak that appeared at the powerhead base. I didnot replace the gasket between the powerhead and the base (I know I should have but this is the first time working on an outboard and everything was new to me). If this gasket is bad and did not make a good seal would this cause my water leak. Other than that the motor ran fine with water coming out the pee hole.


Thanks

Chris
Thanks

 

[emckelvy]

Re: water leak (gasket)

Chris,

That powerhead's got to come off and a new gasket installed. If water can get out, there's also the potential that water can get into the exhaust passages if the gasket were to leak internally.

Don't feel bad, anyone who's worked on these for any amount of time has probably installed a powerhead only to have to take it back off again!

Good practice, eh?

I reckon your leak should stop once that new gasket is installed. Be sure to check both sealing surfaces for any kind of damage, and also make sure all traces of old gasket are removed.

Cheers...........ed