wondering if this could be head gasket problem on 1986 85hp Force

[gwgautney]

I am trying to figure out this motor. I am getting fuel to everything, appears to have spark. Did a compression check yesterday #1 was 110 #2 was around 90 and #3 was around 75 or 80. When I put water to it it still would not crank then it acted like it was hard to turn over after that. What are the signs of head gasket failure and how would I check. Also would bad head gasket be cause of it not cranking. Thanks for any help

 

[Jiggz]

Re: wondering if this could be head gasket problem on 1986 85hp Force

With those compression numbers, the next best thing to do is remove the head and inspect. And then post your findings. To get better results, take pics and post them.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: wondering if this could be head gasket problem on 1986 85hp Force

You pulling all 3 plugs to do the test?

Pull all 3 plugs and then a comp test.
Make sure the battery is HOT!!
Then maybe a different gauge.
Then pull the head.
A bad gasket between cylinders will usually mean low #s between cylinders.
All 3 bad like yours could be the gauge.

 

[gwgautney]

Re: wondering if this could be head gasket problem on 1986 85hp Force

I check compression this morning cold and had different numbers than yesterday. i lhad 90 90 and 80. no i did not pull all three plugs i did it one at a time I will try it tomorrow with all three out. I got it to crank today but then the water pump was not pumping. so i will change that and adjust carbs because it would not idle. But the compression does bother me. Will post results tomorrow.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: wondering if this could be head gasket problem on 1986 85hp Force

That's low,but could be the gauge?
Post the new results.
Gotta make sure it has a hot battery and turns good.

 

[gwgautney]

Re: wondering if this could be head gasket problem on 1986 85hp Force

ok will do ....I dont know if i need to start a new thread or not but i was wondering how do i need to go about setting my carbs. i know you have the adjustment screws in top of carbs just need to know where to start and how far to back them out. I guess i need to know how they work is it more air the more you screw them out or opposite.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: wondering if this could be head gasket problem on 1986 85hp Force

Look at the first couple of posts in the Force Forum.
They cover some things on setting up your motor.
If that doesn't help.Repost and I'll try to explain the settings.
But till then turn each air screw out to 1 and 1/8th out.
That'll get you in the right area.