What do I have going on here? 5.7 Merc

[JoJoBetsy]

Merc 5.7 TB-V, s/n OL351262<br /><br />Running tip top and noticed while replacing the distributor and rotor these water marks on the manifolds, more so on the starboard than port. Normal? If not, what might have caused what is wrong? <br /><br />jb<br /><br />

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[JoJoBetsy]

Re: What do I have going on here? 5.7 Merc

Hey!!!<br /><br />I've been promoted! Woohoo!!

 

[fendersfender]

Re: What do I have going on here? 5.7 Merc

bad riser gaskets...replace asap

 

[JoJoBetsy]

Re: What do I have going on here? 5.7 Merc

Replace asap as in do not turn the engine over until they are replaced? Should I nix the outing tomorrow? <br /><br />Is this normal wear and tear or did the engine experience something that might have caused this. Can only think of one time overheating for a couple minutes when I discovered the ears weren't getting enough water to the engine. It has been running great lately.

 

[fendersfender]

Re: What do I have going on here? 5.7 Merc

if it were mine, i would replace as soon as i could...if they leak to the outside, they could leak on the inside...causing water in your cylinders....if you will run boat anyway, watch for water in oil...although i had an old 888 drive that showed similar signs of leakage and never had any problems...but that was years ago, when i wasnt as smart....if i were to notice it on my present boat i would definitely check it out.....oeverheating and/or age can cause this

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: What do I have going on here? 5.7 Merc

Good pics,but not the same as being there,of course.<br /><br />Looks like notches at the bottom where the bolts go down and thru.Could these be drain passages? So that the bolts don't rust up,making removal impossible?<br /><br />If so,the "water marks" may just be normal condensation forming on the engine,and draining down.<br /><br />DHP

 

[Bondo]

Re: What do I have going on here? 5.7 Merc

Ayuh,...... My 1st impression of your pictures is;.......<br /><br />You've got water Dripping down from Above the motor.......<br />It Looks like water tracks from Above the Gasket area........<br /><br />If I'm Right,...... No Problem.......<br /><br />If I'm Wrong,....... <br /><br />It's like DHP says,....."Good pics,but not the same as being there,of course."

 

[mike456]

Re: What do I have going on here? 5.7 Merc

I've got a similar issue. How difficult is it to repalce the gaskets?

 

[KaGee]

Re: What do I have going on here? 5.7 Merc

Originally posted by mike456:<br /> I've got a similar issue. How difficult is it to repalce the gaskets?

That is a very subjective question based upon one's mechanical skills.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: What do I have going on here? 5.7 Merc

Originally posted by mike456:<br /> I've got a similar issue. How difficult is it to repalce the gaskets?

In theory it's four bolts and two hose clamps to remove. In practice, those four bolts will be rusted away, the hose clamps will strip, and then you won't be able to get the hose off the riser. And you'll swear, and skin knuckles. But hey, it's fun. I wouldn't think twice about doing the job myself. But then again, i feel I have enough skill.

 

[mike456]

Re: What do I have going on here? 5.7 Merc

I'm in the middle of replacing my gimble, bell housing, bellows and shift cable. I'm a first timer at it and I now know all about theroy vs practice!! But like you said. IT FUN!?

 

[JoJoBetsy]

Re: What do I have going on here? 5.7 Merc

Here's a closer pic of the notches but I really can't tell if it is a designed-in leak spot or if it is a faulty gasket. There is and has been no water in the oil and I took the plugs out last night and they are pristine, only 3-4 hours old anyway. I'll post pics of the elbows and manifolds split today if I can find some gaskets... on Sunday...eek.<br /><br />

 

[Olds Eddie]

Re: What do I have going on here? 5.7 Merc

You might want to check the torque on those bolts as a temporary measure. To do so you first back them off about a quarter turn and then torque them to spec. I think thats 25 ft\lb.<br />I check the torque on my fresh water cooled manifold\ raw water cooled risers at every oil change.

 

[I/O WALDO]

Re: What do I have going on here? 5.7 Merc

Looks like someone washed the boat and soap/cleaner dried on the engine.Note white residue on TOP riser in 1st pic.

 

[JoJoBetsy]

Re: What do I have going on here? 5.7 Merc

I retorqued all bolts before I split the elbows off of the manifolds but it was difficult to tell where the water was coming from so I went ahead and replaced both gaskets. Each looked exceptional so I was bummed. I cleaned the mating surfaces off with a putty knife and fine metal dremel buffer and resealed the halves. Retorqued and waited overnight, put the ears on and started the engine. This time was evidently quick enough to find out where the leak is so I have another pic and question for you all. <br /><br />What should I seal these fittings with? The service manual doesn't even address them and the only place I've seen them in diagram is on Parts Express. What the heck are they for? There is one fore and aft on the manifolds and one on each elbow. My guess is some sort of flush device attaches there???<br /><br />

 

[JoJoBetsy]

Re: What do I have going on here? 5.7 Merc

Tilliam,<br /><br />It was fairly easy but it really depends on how much room you have in the hatch to manuever around. The elbows are pretty heavy and for me it took climbing in and over those elbows to remove them from the rubber boots. Then, once you have the gaskets in place, getting the elbows back over the top of them without moving the gasket is a chore. I couldn't imagine doing this without enough room to actually put my feet in the hatch and standing over the elbows. It would definately be a two man job for me if the room was tight. <br /><br />Otherwise, easy-fa-sheazy. The gasket peeled off with a putty knife and the dremel cleaned the surfaces off well. I had both elbows done in 3 hours including a lunch and beer break.

 

[Trent]

Re: What do I have going on here? 5.7 Merc

Seal them with permatex #2. You can get it at any good autoparts store.

 

[Bondo]

Re: What do I have going on here? 5.7 Merc

What should I seal these fittings with? The service manual doesn't even address them and the only place I've seen them in diagram is on Parts Express. What the heck are they for?

Trent's Idea will Work,.....<br /><br />Those pipe plugs are there for Different Applications of the Same Castings..........