[mdbauer62]

I have a 1983 Evinrude 115 hp outboard on a 17' ski boat. While at cruising speed, I noticed water coming out the opening where the control cables go into the engine cover. When I removed the cover, I noticed a weak stream of water leaking from under the lower cylinder on the port side of the motor. You could not see the exact leak, it was approx the bottom of the cylinder. The water was hot. I pulled the spark plug on that cylinder, and it was the same color as the other three, so I don't think the cylinder is sucking water into the combustion chambers? Any ideas? Could it be a gasket, or a crack in the water jacket?

[reload]

Could be water jacket gasket

[mdbauer62]

Thank you for your reply. Would this be a head gasket, or a cylinder sleeve gasket? I see that there is a gasket for the head area surrounding the plug, and then a gasket for the cylinder head. I am going to run it in the driveway tonite with the water ears, and use a dental mirror to see if I see the leak better.

[Dennisanoka]

The water jacket is on the outside of the head. You do not need to remove the the head to remove the water jacket cover or the gasket. You can see the exploded view here: http://www.evinrude.com/en-US/Access...e.Diagrams.htm

[mdbauer62]

Thank you for your help! I looked at the diagram, and it looks like item 30 is the cylinder head cover, and item 29 is the gasket. Hopefully it is just this gasket. I live in Michigan where it get below freezing in winter. Has anyone seen a head or block crack in this area? Can anone tell me the torque specs for the cover bolts? Should I use gasket sealer? I often used the spray one "gold" sealer that is recommended for head gaskets. Is this appropriate for an outboard?

[Dennisanoka]

If you live in the UP that would make you a "U"per. And it does indeed get very cold there. If you live in lower Michigan, well it's cold but not THAT cold. I am over here in Minnesota which is the ice box of the nation. Back to your question, I have not heard of water cracking any heads. I have heard of water freezing and cracking a lower unit, that's why I refill mine in the fall. But I do not believe there would be enough water left in the engine to crack the head. I also raise and lower mine 2-3x to get it to all drain out. I did not use any additional sealer when I replaced mine. Regarding the torque specs, they are not much so you'll either need to look it up in the manual or wait for someone else to post it. I do not have the manual right now. My guess is 7-8 ft. lbs.

[iwombat]

If you leave your motor in the tilt position it won't drain properly and could very well hold enough water to freeze. Never seen it happen, but it's possible.

Begging your pardon, Dennis, but I think Alaska holds the title of the icebox of the nation.