Mercruiser 454 blown headgasket or cracked block?

bulldog92103

Recruit
Joined
May 3, 2005
Messages
1
I just purchased a 1995 Rinker with a 454 mercruiser. Original owner said engine worked fine but when he went to start it at home after sitting for 3 months it would not work and he noticed water in the oil and assumed it has a cracked block. The thing is the block was just replaced 2 years ago and has less than 20 hours on it. Also he said he has started it several times with no problems since the last time it was in the water. What is the easiest way to check for a cracked block or a blown head gasket?
 

rodbolt

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Sep 1, 2003
Messages
20,066
Re: Mercruiser 454 blown headgasket or cracked block?

depends on where the crack is or the break in the gaasket. if the plugs are not wet with water it usually will rule out a cyl area. after that its a matter of tear down and inspect. however I would dissconnect the manifolds from the seawater and pressure test the block/heads assy before removing anything.<br /> why was the block replaced last time? is this fresh water(closed) cooled or raw water cooled?
 

TilliamWe

Banned
Joined
Dec 21, 2004
Messages
6,579
Re: Mercruiser 454 blown headgasket or cracked block?

As with all marine engines, check the exhaust manifolds first! That way, if that's your problem, you may not have to check for a cracked block or blown head gasket.
 
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