1976 Johnson 35hp water in the top cylinder

I have a 35EL76S that I have done the following work on: carbs, impeller, coils, points,condensers, thermostat. It was just starting to run well, while checking the points and cranking it over to check for spark I noticed a significant amount of water misting out of the top plug.
I checked the forums for info and inspected the head gasket and exhaust gaskets. Neither had tell tale signs of leakage. I ended up making new gaskets for the exhaust cover that turned out great. Slapped it all together and I'm still getting water in the top cylinder. The exhaust port is absolutley coated in it. This did seem to happen shortly after I intalled a thermostat. There was not one installed previously.

I have 120 PSI in both cylinders. Besides these two places is there any other spot I should be checking? Everytime I take something apart on this beast something else breaks. I've just about had enough!


Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Luc

Re: 1976 Johnson 35hp water in the top cylinder

Did you replace the head gasket, did you check the head to make sure it was flat?

Re: 1976 Johnson 35hp water in the top cylinder

No, it was late when I removed the head. I'll be picking up new gaskets at the boat shop after work today. I realize this alone could be my issue. The head was flat. I was just wondering if there is any other location I should be checking.
Also, I don't typically use a sealant on gaskets when the surfaces are good but is there something I can or should use on the exhaust gaskets?

Thanks,
Luc

Re: 1976 Johnson 35hp water in the top cylinder

Most of the newer gaskets have a sealer on them already. The exhaust and head gaskets are the only places that I can think of where water might get in, unless you have a crack or sand hole somewhere. I would install new gaskets and try it out. Make sure you torque the head down, warm it up and then let it cool down and retorque the head bolts.

Re: 1976 Johnson 35hp water in the top cylinder

Great, thanks for the info. Hopefully I'll post back with good results tomorrow.