I have an 85 15hp johnson with low compression. In talking with several local mechanics, if it is anything more than a bad head gasket, the engine is now an anchor...at least by what they charge hourly.
One mechanic's suspicion was that the low water flowing out of the tell-tale was indicative of a dislodge gromment between the water tube and the underside of the powerhead. Appearantly this is not uncommon. The story goes that if the water flow reduced enough the engine could have warmed enough to blow the gasket. I hope this is what happened because anything else is just too many $$$.
There are six 1/2" head bolts. I can easily get a socket on the top four but cannot get anything on the bottom two as the lower shroud(?) is in the way. The mechanics indicated that the head could be removed without pulling the powerhead.
Any insight on how to get the lower bolts out would be greatly appreciated
One mechanic's suspicion was that the low water flowing out of the tell-tale was indicative of a dislodge gromment between the water tube and the underside of the powerhead. Appearantly this is not uncommon. The story goes that if the water flow reduced enough the engine could have warmed enough to blow the gasket. I hope this is what happened because anything else is just too many $$$.
There are six 1/2" head bolts. I can easily get a socket on the top four but cannot get anything on the bottom two as the lower shroud(?) is in the way. The mechanics indicated that the head could be removed without pulling the powerhead.
Any insight on how to get the lower bolts out would be greatly appreciated