What are the symtoms of a bad head gasket for a mercury outboard motor?

Question

What are the symtoms of a bad head gasket for a mercury outboard motor?

Answer 1

Well if it still runs,the water jet out of the motor ,the one that lets you know your water pump is working.Will probably blow steam.If you pull the spark plugs,you will see water droplets on plugs.Which of course leads to another symptom...Not running.Finally,a compression check will tell you for sure.If you do this first , it will keep you from looking any farther if you find one or both cylinders low.Guessing100psi. or lower is bad.

Answer 2

loss of power and overheating. maybe oil or water leakage.

Answer 3

wouldnt water and oil be mixing like crazy? that might be if the head has cracked between the water jackets and oil sleeves..right?

oil or water would be leaking OUT from the head gasket--the seem between the head and the block