McGR
Senior Chief Petty Officer
- Joined
- Jun 19, 2004
- Messages
- 654
I decided to pull the plugs on my '85 76hp before heading out earlier today. I did this because the last time I was out I had some starting problems and threw in some (old)back up plugs I had on board. Because the plugs I had pulled last time out were new at the beginning of the season, I wanted to clean them and get them back in. So, I proceeded to pull the "back up" plugs. I was concerned when I pulled the "bu" plugs early this morning as I noticed the two starboard plugs had fairly white looking ceramic insulators. Nonetheless, I decided to stick with my plan and put the clean newer plugs back in. We proceeded to spend most of the day at the lake and went through about 12 gallons of gas. Overall, the motor performed OK though I did notice the idle was a little shakey and a few times I had to give the motor some revs in neutral to clear off the plugs. Anyway... when I got home I decided to pull the plugs for inspection. To my dismay the starboard plugs were notably cleaner than the ports again. After lurking around this board for some time now and searching some earlier posts, it seems the consensus is head gasket. Though I'm a little perplexed because....<br /><br />1. I replaced both gaskets last year - I thought I did it by book...<br /><br />2. What is the probability of both cyliders on one side going bad? Though they share the same gasket, the copper rings that seal the cylinders are independant.<br /><br />I hope it is indeed just a simple head gasket. Nontheless, are there any other areas that could allow water into both combustion chambers? Is there any possibility carburetion is causing this? My guess would be no because I don't believe the starboard cylinders share the same carbs. Anyway... any and all help/input is greatly appreciated.