Can I replace the head gasket on my 25hp evinrude?

Question

I have a 92 evinrude on my bass tracker and I am getting white smoke. I am told the head gasket is probably shot. I have extensive experience in automotive mechanics, but none on an outboard. Is this something I should do myself? Is there any other things I should look for?

Answer 1

Are you sure you need a head gasket.?.  Sounds like too much oil in the mix?  Is this oil injected or mixed within the fuel tank?   Do a compression  test on each cylinder and find out better info first.  Look at the plugs and see if they are burning too rich or lean.  The head gasket keeps water out of the cylinders, not smoke.  Sounds like something all together different than what you are thinking about.  If you pull the head, remember, torque is in "INCH" lbs not "FOOT" lbs.  This is a big difference.  You don't want to strip out the head bolts by over tighten.

Answer 2

Nope. It's shot, but I will gladly take it off your hands. E-mail me for directions on how to ship it to me!

I don't how extensive your auto experience is, but if you can get the cover off your motor, a new gasket should be a breeze! Be methodical, and clean in your work, and be certain to check for warpage, and clean and seal mating surfaces and bolt threads.

I would STRONGLY suggest you go here; http://www.marineengine.com/parts/parts.... and buy a shop manual specific to that motor. It will be well worth the money. Be sure to look up by model number.

Also as someone else has stated, the smoking could be excess oil (a manual will help you figure that out as well!) If it is water you should see evidence of that on the spark plug after runnig for a bit.

Go for it. I think you can do it and save some money. The website I gave you also has all the parts you will need, and has proven to be a reliable outlet for me with reasonable prices and fast shipping.

My offer to dispose of your motor still stands though!

Answer 3

Buddy, if you can crack open the car, you can crack open the Evinrude.  It's like a really big weedwacker, just heavier and slightly more complex.  There shouldn't be anything in there you can't handle.

I tell this even to non-mechanics because I want everyone to take some responsibility and interest in the things they use, but you've already got the skills and probably all the tools.  Go nuts.

Answer 4

Yes, it's no sweat.  Just make sure you look up the torque specs first, and be sure to use the recommended lubricant or sealer on the bolts.  Also, clean the bolt threads well with a wire brush so that all the torque is translated to clamp load instead of friction.  That's true for all cylinder heads or critical fasteners though, so you should know that.