water leak

pm5471

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 16, 2007
Messages
30
i overheated my 50 h/p engine do to the water pump giving out. Its a 1970's model. I replaced the pump and started it and water is coming out all around the the cylinder cover. Now what? Am i screwed?

pete
 

emckelvy

Commander
Joined
Jan 16, 2004
Messages
2,506
Re: water leak

You fried the block gasket when you toasted your motor. Pull the cover and renew the gasket and you should be fine. You may need to remove the powerhead for access if you can't get the cover off in place.

Removing the small "horse collar" trim piece under the lower cowling, then dropping the rear cowl support brackets and letting the lower cowl "sag" down a bit, may give you enough clearance to reach the lower bolts in the cover.

Use caution, if this motor is a "Salty Dog" the bolts may be stuck. They are easily broken but a careful application of heat from a propane or MAPP torch may help release them. Be sure to have a fire extinguisher at ready!

A quick-n-dirty repair to get you back on the water, would be to degrease the area around the spark plug & cover, then pack with silicone sealer. Use a Non-Copper RTV such as Hi-Temp Red or Black. The RTV will stop the leaks but of course looks rather tacky and would have to be re-done every time you pull a spark plug.

But, if you're dying to get wet, perhaps a good short-term solution.

BTW your compression readings aren't too bad for a Toasty Motor!

HTH...........ed
 

pm5471

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 16, 2007
Messages
30
Re: water leak

So i got the cover off but can't find out where to get the gasket i need. I tried to navigate iboats parts but i can't find it.:confused: Can someone help me locate this please?

thanks
pete:redface:
 

J Hartman

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jul 3, 2010
Messages
93
Re: water leak

So i got the cover off but can't find out where to get the gasket i need. I tried to navigate iboats parts but i can't find it.:confused: Can someone help me locate this please?

thanks
pete:redface:

I'm a fan of my local dealer...

But, mercurypartsexpress.com is OEM parts.

I like using Maxrules.com for my boating parts though.
 

pm5471

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 16, 2007
Messages
30
Re: water leak

can someone help me find this gasket as i must be foolish as i can't find it.
thank you for your time
pete
 

emckelvy

Commander
Joined
Jan 16, 2004
Messages
2,506
Re: water leak

OK, you must know your Serial # to make sure you get the right gasket.

Go here:

http://www.boats.net/parts/search/Merc2/Mercury/parts.html

Click on the various 50hp folders until you find the serial # range for your motor. You'll likely find it under the "500, 50" folder but might also want to check the "500" and "50 (4 Cyl)" as well.

Once you find the correct serial number range, click into that and you'll get the main parts folders for that motor. Find the one that says "End Caps, Manifold and Exhaust Covers".

Within that one you'll find the parts breakdown for the block and in the diagram you'll see the reference number for the Cylinder Block Cover Gasket. Scroll down the parts listings to that reference # and there's your gasket!

Well, that oughta do 'er, once you know the part # you can order from whomever you like the best.

HTH & Happy Wrenching..........ed
 

pm5471

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 16, 2007
Messages
30
Re: water leak

thank you very much emckelvy,part has been ordered.

pete
 

pm5471

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Jun 16, 2007
Messages
30
Re: water leak

I just got the gasket in the mail so now i need to know what type of sealer should i use on the gasket?

thanks
pete
 
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