Reply To: Evinrude Fastwin 18 HP 15032 Leaking Around Exhaust

[Jeff Barsch]

I want to report back and close the loop on this. pulled powerhead, pulled lower pan, then I removed the exhaust covers and amazingly was able to salvage both gaskets. I dressed the exhaust cover, re-cleaned the threads with a Vermont American bottom tap. I confirmed all bolts would thread in deep enough to tighten the cover/gasket/stainless baffle/gasket. Applied gasket to sealer to both gaskets and all bolt threads reassembled. Bolted powerhead back on leg, confirmed torque on all exhaust bolts and head bolts then barrel tested.

Results: no leakage around exhaust cover found!! Pulled spark plugs and they were not wet! Thank you all for the great advice and your help.

Now for my next question: do you think I should lake test before pulling power head and installing the bottom pan again? I only used gear lube on the exhaust leg gaskets and it was a bit wet around the interface? Will that area leaking a little affect anything or should I put pan back on, seal gaskets and then lake test?

Also, what is the recommended method for breaking in the new rings? So far it has only run a total of about 10 minutes in a barrel between the two barrel tests, so speed was naturally at idle speed.

Thanks again,

Jeff

1954 Evinrude 7.5 HP
1954 Evinrude 15 HP
1954 Gale 12 HP
1955 Johnson 10 HP
1956 Johnson 10 HP
1956 Gale 12 HP
1956 Evinrude 5.5 HP
1957 Johnson Golden Javelin 35
1958 Johnson 7.5
1960 Evinrude 18 HP
1973 Johnson 6 HP