1972 Merc 140 I/O Problem

fragamb

Recruit
Joined
Mar 20, 2008
Messages
2
I have had a problem of getting water in my oil. I ran all of last year changing the oil everytime I went out. My questions are
'
1. How do I find the source? Should I pull the head? Would any other gaskets like the riser or the exhaust cause this? I know it could be a cracked block if so how do I check for that? One thing to mention is the exhuast bellows is in 2 pieces would that cause this problem?

2. At this point do you think the engine is shot? It still runs pretty good? Should I pull the engine and have it rebuilt? How much does it normally cost if I pull the block and bring it some where.

Any advise would be appreciated. Wondering if I should keep running it till it dies or invest some money into it?
 

Haut Medoc

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Jun 29, 2004
Messages
10,645
Re: 1972 Merc 140 I/O Problem

I have had a problem of getting water in my oil. I ran all of last year changing the oil everytime I went out. My questions are
'
1. How do I find the source? Should I pull the head? Would any other gaskets like the riser or the exhaust cause this? I know it could be a cracked block if so how do I check for that? One thing to mention is the exhuast bellows is in 2 pieces would that cause this problem?
The most common reason for water in the oil is a bad exhaust manifold, riser or the joint between them....
Bad exhaust bellows will not cause it....
You can pressure test your block & manifolds to check for leaks....

2. At this point do you think the engine is shot? It still runs pretty good? Should I pull the engine and have it rebuilt? How much does it normally cost if I pull the block and bring it some where.
I would do a compression test to see the engine's overall condition....;)
Any advise would be appreciated. Wondering if I should keep running it till it dies or invest some money into it?
Do some testing....
A compression test & a vacuum test will tell you alot about the engine's condition....
Welcome to iboats, btw.....:)
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,478
Re: 1972 Merc 140 I/O Problem

I know it could be a cracked block if so how do I check for that?

Ayuh,........

Block off some hoses,+ Pressure Test the cooling system with 10/ 12psi of Air,+ Listen........
You'll Hear where it's coming from.......

My 1st Guess would be the Inside Wall, just opposite of the block drain on the outside.......
That's a common Freeze Damage spot......

The Exhaust Bellows on the outdrive is Wet on both sides,.... Kinda irrevelant.....

Good Luck,+ Welcome Aboard.......
 
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