Help changing head gaskets on 1990 115hp V4 Evinrude

[matthyne]

Folks,

Due to some cooling issues I decided I would do the head gaskets (and water jacket covers) on my 1990 115hp V4 Evinrude and clear out all the water passages at the same time.

However being half way through I have a few questions I am seeking some help with.

1. I have to replace one of the heads due to corrosion. I managed to source a replacement however it has previously been on a motor that threw a ring and the TOP surface of the head has sustained some damage where the remains of the ring crunched into it. The walls are fine and the mating surface is fine. I have cleared up some of the damage with some sand paper however I am concerned that if I do use this head I might be causing more problems for my engine. I have attached some photos. Advice ?

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12gTkhGNClUGM1AHx5enU-lW1xqf-y5dLNA/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1znchFz3OFJTVdMs74nsNaEtRFLA0IlJFmg/view?usp=sharing

2. I am trying to do the heads without removing the powerhead from the motor. The starboard side is easy to do but the port side looks like it will be difficult to get a torque wrench down to the bottom bolts. Since the service manual advises that you need to re-torque after running it in a little I am confused how you would do this even if you did remove and refit the powerhead. Is doing the head gaskets on this motor possible without removing the powerhead ?

3. The service manual says to use gasket sealant on the new gaskets. The ones I have seem to have a tacky coating out of the pack and from what I have read this is a seal-sealing compound. As such should I use these gaskets without the OMC sealant ?


Matt

 

[racerone]

Replace the " water deflectors / guides " while heads are off.---Heads will be warped so they need to be resurfaced with emery and a piece of glass.-------The port head can be done in situe.-------Use a universal joint on the wrench or go by feel.-----Or lower the cowling by removing some screws.

 

[daselbee]

No sealant on the head gaskets, either. They have that "tack", and need no sealant. All three excellent questions.

 

[Faztbullet]

Just take a small magnet and run around the denst in head to make sure a piece of ring in not embedded to cause a hot spot, the dents will fill in with carbon over time.

 

[interalian]

For torque and re-torque of the port head, I bought a 1/2" 6 point shallow swivel socket. Much shorter than a universal joint and socket, allowing access and fairly close torque setting:



And I used heads that looked like this and have no problems:

 

[matthyne]

what brand is the swivel socket ? Where did you get it ?

 

[emdsapmgr]

If you look at the head gaskets in picture frame #5, they are the type with the tack applied to the surface. Note that they are stamped "do not use sealer".

 

[interalian]

what brand is the swivel socket ? Where did you get it ?

It's a Snap-On. My neighbor is a dealer and I got it for a reasonable price, but you could probably buy a full set of cheapies for what it cost.

 

[matthyne]

Thanks folks for all your help. I am going to resurface the heads on glass and fit them with the dry gasket. Hopefully I will be able to get to those port side lower bolts without taking the damn powerhead off.

 

[racerone]

It has been stated that you can loosen the lower cowling to get more room.