[MAKO72]

I have a 1989 30hp evinrude which I have done some work to with the help of you guys. I'm pretty sure the exhaust gaskets are leaking as I see some corrosion around the edges and around the bolt in the middle. I was wondering if it was possible to remove the exhaust plate without removing the powerhead. The bolt on the bottom corner is recessed and seems like it might be difficult to get at. Also should I not use the motor until this is corrected? What kind of damage could this cause. Thanks for any advise.

[Solittle]

Don't know your engine so take this with a grain of salt - whatever that means.Many of the engines I have owned have shown the same type of corrosion and it may or may not be a problem - usually not unless you have a cooling problem or water is actually getting into the engine.I assume that you use this in salt water so if you do go ahead I would also pull the head an its cover. This is so that you can clean all of the salt water crud that accumulates in the water passages. I would start with the "problem" bolt so you can stop if you run into a problem. The last time I did this the head broke off of the bolt and I ended up having to pull the powerhead and take it to a machine shop to get the broken bolt out. The metal walls in the block under that cover are relatively thin and and must seal with the cover.My rule of thumb is that "if it ain't broke - - ."