Head Gasket

repirts · #1 08-18-2003, 10:40 PM

Now that I have the intake housing off I can see the ends of the cranks and the counter weights. They have a light coating of rust. I'm new to 2 cycles and expected the cranks etc to be coated with oil. They look dry to me but I know the engine was getting oil because the cylinders are coated. Could the blown head gasket have allowed water into the crankcase and caused the rust? I'm going to open the crankcase sometime this week. What should I be looking for?

thanks

gss036 · #2 09-07-2003, 12:41 AM

Just read throught he post the 1st time, what did you end up with? I am thinking a rod bearing?
Not a mechanic but curious. I run a 1989 200hp Mercury and change the head gaskets about every 3rd year since I just run saltwater. Seems to be about the right time as I have never had one leaking.

repirts · #3 09-07-2003, 09:41 PM

Exactly. Lower rod bearing rusted to h*ll but thankfully the crank journal is OK. Should be Ok replacing the bearing. On the piston end of the rod it was so rusted that you could barely move it. That end will need to be changed too. I'm lucky that it didn't throw the rod or bend the crankshaft. I'll be buying the parts this week and starting to put it back together. Maybe I'll get it in the water just in time to pull it back out but I will have a least gotten it in the water!

gss036 · #4 09-09-2003, 11:48 PM

Good luck on your project, most people would not attempt the job. I know I wouldn't.

repirts · #5 09-11-2003, 01:09 AM

I look at it this way. I don't have the $$ to have it done or buy a new engine (I'm paying tuition for two kids!!). The engine doesn't run now. What have I got to lose!! Let's just hope when I'm done that it works!!!

Jon G · #6 09-10-2003, 07:36 PM

Good job Steve. I just got rid of my 1998 merc 115 because of a rod knock. No one down here would fix it every one wanted to replace the power head($4000) so I ended up selling the Merc for $800 as is with all the controls and buying a new engine (on paper). I didn't want to tear that thing that far apart(I'm not a Merc fan anyway) so my hats off to you for a good save! I Hope it runs well when you get it back together [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]