Water in #1 cylinder

[pnwboat]

Been fighting this problem for a while now. #1 cylinder getting water in it. Had block and head milled. Replaced the head gasket several times. Compression in #1 is 145 LBS. 2,3 and 4 are between 150 LBS and 152 LBS. Verified good strong spark. Last time I took the head off, #1 combustion chamber was coated with brownish whiteish goooey oily residue, no carbon build up. All others had slight carbon film. Checked #1 cylinder and exhaust chamber for cracks or evidence of water leaks. Couldn't find any. I looked at the last two head gaskets real closely. The metal ring on the gasket around each cylinder has the imprint of the maching marks on the block except for #1 cylinder. I only see the imprint about 2/3 of the way around. I suspect that this may be evidence that it's not sealing. Took a machinist's square and laid it against the head and block. Everything looks straight and true. No warpage evident. Is there a trick or something that I'm missing to get #1 cylinder to seal? Or am I out in left field somewhere?

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Water in #1 cylinder

Have you pulled the intake transfer cover off and checked for any water leaking in from the intake side?

The increase in cyl pressure unseating the head gasket could be a secondary symptom of the water intrusion through a small crack in the block on the intake side.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Water in #1 cylinder

Also be sure to torque the head bolts down in the proper sequence.

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Water in #1 cylinder

Forgot to mention that it's a 1988 125 HP S/N 1254X88C

I haven't taken the intake off yet. Didn't notice any water passages on that side of the block but you never know. I guess it could be a leak/crack in the #1 cylinder intake portion of the crankcase. I'll check it out just to be sure. This has me baffled????

The head torque seguence and value (225 IN LBS) is permanently burned into my brain........LOL. I've double checked and triple checked it so many times.

Thanks for the suggestions. Always helpful to get additional input.

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Water in #1 cylinder

Took the transfer port cover off and sure enough, the crankshaft and crankcase had the white miky residue on them. I'll focus on the intake side. Took the head and exhaust cover off to inspect the water passages but can't find any evidence of a crack around #1 cylinder/crankcase area.

 

[pnwboat]

Re: Water in #1 cylinder

Can't find any cracks or leaks. I placed the head on the block without any gasket to check to see if I have any gaps. There is a gap right at #1 cylinder. Not very much, about .010 of an inch. Looks like that's where my problem is. I bought another bare block/head which should be in next week. I'll check the head from the new block against my old block. If the gap is still there, then I'll have to assume my old block is not flat. The saga continues......

I have one question. The new used block is a 1992 125 HP. I know the pistons are larger in the 1992 than the 1988. Does anyone know if the rods are the same length, and does the crankshaft have the same stroke?

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Water in #1 cylinder

Crankshaft is the same at 2.875 inch stroke, Con-rods are the same, and cylinders should be 3.375 bore--pistons are machined oval to match bore when hot.