Update: 1977 Johnson, 85HP Head Gasket question?

[wa3ipb]

We just removed the cylinder heads to take a peek and are dumb-founded!! The new one we put on still looks new. Although it says "Do Not Use Sealant", it looks like it didn't seal(melt into place?) and I know the motor over-heated. The old "Port" side gasket looks ok. When we squirted the hose up through the cyl. inputs, water did leak around both heads. Should we ignore the " Do Not Use Sealant" and put some good ole seal-a-gasket around them? Any opinions on a gasket sealant for one that's says "NO sealant" ? Thanks again, again

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Update: 1977 Johnson, 85HP Head Gasket question?

You didn't mention what brand gasket you are going to use but if it is Bombardier (OMC) then use no sealer. Certian sealers react adversely with the impregnated sealer. Change both gaskets and surface the heads and block to insure they are true. Don't forget to change the 4 deflectors too.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[wa3ipb]

Re: Update: 1977 Johnson, 85HP Head Gasket question?

Dhadley, Not sure what brand of gasket but it does say on the gasket "Do not use sealant" so my guess is we shouldn't. The deflectors are already on our parts' list. Ok another thought. We have a inches-lb torc handle(not foot-lbs as it calls for). Maybe we didn't use our mathamtics correctly when we tighted up the head coverings? Wifey

 

[Fouled Plug]

Re: Update: 1977 Johnson, 85HP Head Gasket question?

Buy, borrow, rent or somehow get your hands on a ft-lb torque wrench. It's a reasonably small investment, and torque is a very important part of motor fixin'. (Especially on cylinder heads)

 

[wa3ipb]

Re: Update: 1977 Johnson, 85HP Head Gasket question?

Another up-date :Ok, we bought the correct torque handle and tighted up the starboard cylinder head per specs. Ran some hose water up through the cylinder (gearcase still off)and no leaks!! Yea! We have another (hopefully minor problem) with the port side. Hubby took out the spark plug and low and behold, the coupling?(where the plug screws in) came out with it and boy is it stuck! He tried to take it off the plug and smashed in the , hmm, how to put this, circular end of it. He's taking it to our local auto supply now to see if they have a replacment(and new plug). If they do, we'll torque down that cylinder and hope it seals as well. Then we'll do another compression check. Keeping our fingers crossed! Thanks again!! You guys are great!

 

[wa3ipb]

Re: Update: 1977 Johnson, 85HP Head Gasket question?

Oh forgot to mention we did install 4 new water restrictors. We are still wondering if we absolutely need to install a thremostat? We won't be running in cooler temps. To remind, the therm was apparently removed by a previous owner. Thanks!!