Mercruiser 185hp manual/headgasket info

[Leedanger]

1984 Mercruiser 185
3.8L V6 229 CID
Serial 6691470

Does someone have the manual for this I can take a peek at please? I'm just about to put the heads back on, anyone have any additional tips on the procedure that the manual may not contain? The first last time I did head gaskets I did something wrong and they failed, hoping to not repeat the mistake. Although this time I am paying much more attention to detail and prep work. I used a dye grinder and polished both side to near perfection, but what I haven't done yet is prep the head bolts or threads in the block. Should I use a tap or just a cleaner and blow the holes with compressor?

 

[achris]

Re: Mercruiser 185hp manual/headgasket info

1984 Mercruiser 185
3.8L V6 229 CID
Serial 6691470

.... Should I use a tap or just a cleaner and blow the holes with compressor?

Both...

Manual your engine -> http://www.4shared.com/document/M35B2RL4/Service_Manual_03.html
(manual for '470' from 1985. May contain more '470' specific info) -> http://www.4shared.com/document/zTbCbkDD/Service_Manual_08.html

Chris........

 

[Leedanger]

Re: Mercruiser 185hp manual/headgasket info

Thank you sir.

 

[Leedanger]

Re: Mercruiser 185hp manual/headgasket info

I should NOT use thread lock correct?

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Mercruiser 185hp manual/headgasket info

NO THREAD LOCK
run a tap thru the head bolts in the block
torque according to the sequence AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS on re-torquing
Permatex aviation sealant on the threads

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Mercruiser 185hp manual/headgasket info

NOTE THE SEALANT ON THE HEAD BOLT THREADS! I'm not swearing. This is to get your attention. Head bolts enter the water jacket and if not sealed, will leak. Bet you didn't do that on the last build -- right?

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser 185hp manual/headgasket info

Just noticed, Chris gave you manuals for the 470 type model 185, not the V6 3.8L engine you posted.
You need manual #7.

http://www.4shared.com/document/1FdjddET/Service_Manual_07.html

 

[achris]

Re: Mercruiser 185hp manual/headgasket info

Just noticed, Chris gave you manuals for the 470 type model 185, not the V6 3.8L engine you posted.
You need manual #7.

http://www.4shared.com/document/1FdjddET/Service_Manual_07.html

I'm so sorry about that.. I just looked and saw '185', and thought 470.... My apologises again....

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser 185hp manual/headgasket info

Not a big deal, we've both made worse mistakes. Didn't really hurt anything because from the thread lock question, he didn't read them anyway. Or he would have noticed there wasn't anything for a V6 in them.

 

[joewithaboat]

Re: Mercruiser 185hp manual/headgasket info

What do you guys prefer for sealant on the head bolts?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Mercruiser 185hp manual/headgasket info

What do you guys prefer for sealant on the head bolts?

NO THREAD LOCK
run a tap thru the head bolts in the block
torque according to the sequence AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS on re-torquing
Permatex aviation sealant on the threads

Ayuh,...

 

[joewithaboat]

Re: Mercruiser 185hp manual/headgasket info

Just trying to make sure Im not missing something...
Was wondering why you guys are using the Permatex aviation instead of the Permatex High Performance Thread Sealant or the Loctite PST. Both are ptfe based and don't adversely affect torque readings. Recommended by ARP etc.

Also all of the bolt manufacturers caution against using a tap to clean threads. I have always used thread chasers, thought that's what they are made for.

 

[Don S]

Re: Mercruiser 185hp manual/headgasket info

Then why don't you just start a thread of your own with your questions, instead of trying to change the original question into your question (aka Hijack)

 

[joewithaboat]

Re: Mercruiser 185hp manual/headgasket info

Then why don't you just start a thread of your own with your questions, instead of trying to change the original question into your question (aka Hijack)

Seems original question was about head bolt and thread prep! Is that not what we are talking about????? So if i question advise given by someone i need to start my own thread???

 

[Leedanger]

Re: Mercruiser 185hp manual/headgasket info

NOTE THE SEALANT ON THE HEAD BOLT THREADS! I'm not swearing. This is to get your attention. Head bolts enter the water jacket and if not sealed, will leak. Bet you didn't do that on the last build -- right?

I did lots of things wrong the last time..lol. I found the correct stuff, thanks for everyone for clarifying.

 

[Leedanger]

Re: Mercruiser 185hp manual/headgasket info

Not a big deal, we've both made worse mistakes. Didn't really hurt anything because from the thread lock question, he didn't read them anyway. Or he would have noticed there wasn't anything for a V6 in them.

I did notice...I just didn't feel like making a fuss about it. I'm already a beggar, didn't want to add "pain in the ***" to my resume. Just to update everyone I did find the correct sealant and I just looked up the tap size and ran it through....didn't seem to be a problem but I'll look into a thread chaser future. I appreciate everyone taking the time to clear that up for me. Thanks Don for adding #7 for me.

 

[joewithaboat]

Re: Mercruiser 185hp manual/headgasket info

Seems that folks are recommending Permatex Aviation for the simple reason that its what Mercury Marine says to use .