Water on Plugs?

[TwoFish]

Is this milky stuff on the plug the result of water getting in?

1998 75 force. Still running well but dies away at idle sometimes.

Thanks

 

[Skiwi]

Re: Water on Plugs?

Most likely yes, all three plugs? Until some Guru comes along with more technical advice you could make a start by checking the fuel tank and lines for water and the head casket for leaks.

 

[TwoFish]

Re: Water on Plugs?

From left to right. Top, middle, bottom plugs.

I have a water separator style filter in the line which no water in it. Have also drained and checked the tank. The tops of the pistons look black when looking into the sparkplug holes in the head.

This is what the plugs look like after about 3 hours of running.

Is the head gasket the easiest place to start? Not looking forward to tackleing the exhaust plate (breaking off bolts)

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Water on Plugs?

Do a compression test.If the comp is good then worry about the exhaust side.I had a motor with 150# of comp but it was still bad.It was corroded just a bit and allowing water in to make it miss and foul out the plug.
I'll bet the head gasket is bad. J

 

[TwoFish]

Re: Water on Plugs?

I spoke to a local marine mechanic today. He said it could take some time to trace. His thoughts were head gasket, side plate, around the reeds, base of the power head, a hole in the exhaust tube or corrosion anywhere in the block. He was very helpful but said it could work out to be expensive given the time it could take. He suggested having a go myself. If it doesn?t work out bring it in then.

I have this urge to take the power head off and put a gasket set through. The exhaust plate gets a small salt deposit at the rear base every time I run it and there are some rusty bolts as well. The exhaust sound changes from a deep to a higher note when running at about 2000 rpm ( Oooogaaa, Oooogaa, hard to type noises).

The motor is a 1998 75 Force with 160 hours. I would prefer to keep this motor for a long time rather than buy a new one. I like the idea of being able to maintain it myself & it would be cheaper.

If I put the time aside to work on it am I better off going through the whole motor or would I be just opening up a can of worms?

If I only try to fix this problem I?m concerned there may be several others lurking in the background.

Is this something the average backyard mechanic can do?

Cheers

Dean

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Water on Plugs?

Yes YOU can!!! It's something you can diagnose yourself.
If you can buy a compression tester,you can check it yourself.
The first step in diagnosing any problems is a compression test.Then a spark test.Then a fuel system check.

Get the necessary tools.Compression tester,spark testers.The inline sparkies are good.Don't buy a cheap comp tester.Get one that screws in.
Check the comp and post your results.J

 

[TwoFish]

Re: Water on Plugs?

Thanks for the encouragement Jerry. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed at the list of potential problems suggested by the mechanic.

Compression test figures 130, 127, 130.

Cold motor, throttle open. There was some Inox (dewatering fluid) sprayed into the cylinders as suggested by the mechanic to stop things rusting before he had a look at it. Not sure if this will make any difference in finding a leaky head gasket? LEFT THIS in as I didn't know if it was useful.

Just ran the motor for about a minute to get rid of the Inox.

127, 125, 125, No water built up on the plugs in this time.

I noticed an area on the leg where some smoke was coming out. Once I had water coming out of the pivot on the leg when flushing (Too much water pressure?). Added this just incase it could have any do with water getting into the motor through the exhaust.

Thanks

Dean

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Water on Plugs?

The only way to get water in while it's on the hose is if the motor falls off and the boat and goes underwater.
Run the motor and run it like you stole it.Keep an eye on the plugs.
I doubt that anything has rotted through.The head gasket can still have good compression and let water through.It will eventually go all the way.
Keep us posted and watch those plugs.
A clean plug is also a sign of water.2 dirty and 1 clean usually means no spark or water.J

 

[TwoFish]

Re: Water on Plugs?

Thanks Jerry

I?ll take the boat out this weekend & give it a flogging. Like I stole it.


Let you know how it goes.

Thanks again for your help.



Cheers

Dean