1998 mercury force 40hp water in bottom cyliner.

[Hunterhunter61]

I have a 1998 mercury tracker 40hp my bottom plug keeps getting fowled out from water getting in at first I assumed my gas had water in it after I ruled that out I figured bad head gasket I did a compression test on it and had 120psi on both cylinders. I can't figure out what's wrong with it could it be the head gasket? Could it be a water jacket in the head? Any info would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Nordin]

Hard to says what issue it is.
Possible issues are bad head gasket, bad exhaust cover gasket, crack in the water jacket or bad lower crank shaft seal.
Pull the head and check the head gasket and check for crack in water jacket around lower cylinder.
If you suggest to pull the exhaust cover be very careful when loosing the screws. They will snap really easy.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Had a 1988 85hp and it kept getting water in the bottom cyl.
The comp was 145 all three.
It had a pin hole in the sealing ring.
Replaced the gasket, that did the trick.
Be careful when removing the bolts.
They can get stuck and break off and become a major job.
Use a torch and a hammer and if it is hard turning the screws take your time.
Spent almost 2 hrs. on removing one bolt and it broke off anyway.
HINT: if it doesn't need to be removed??? LEAVE IT ALONE!!!

 

[Hunterhunter61]

I appreciate the input I found the specs for the head bolt torque I took the head cover off last night didn't find any holes in it. Going to try and replace the head gasket and see if that changes anything. I did find oil leaking from my lower unit never had a problem with it before bought the gaskets and o rings for it going to get it all changed next week and see what happens.