1988 35hp Merc water in bottom cylinder

[maddogjim]

Hello, appreciate any thoughts / advise on how to proceed. 2cyl merc, runs like a dream. A while back while hose flushing it after a day out, I noted water leaking from the front of the exhaust leg, from top motor mount, left side, just under the bottom cowling. First thought was 'that's not good'. Slowly it has begun to run rougher at idle. Check the plugs, water in the bottom cylinder. My thoughts are the gasket between the powerhead & exhaust leg. Semi easy fix.

Anyone ???

Thanks in advance.

[boats.net]

Run a compression test, low compression could indicate a hole between water passage and combustion chamber. Probably have to remove powerhead and check gasket and or exhaust plate and look for holes in ineer plate.

[maddogjim]

1988 35hp Merc water in bottom cylinder

Hi,
Thanks advice. Had to put it on 'hold' as a more pressing project took priority. In the interim, I learned that it locked up while sitting. I was able to free it up with a breaker bar on the flywheel nut. So I put gear oil in the cylinders as it sat. Compression test revealed low, compression on both cyl's. 50 psi-ish. Pulled the power head. Bottom gasket looked to be in tact. However, looking at the bottom seal, I could see what looked like grease / oil between the shaft & the seal itself. Pulled the seal off, to reveal goo of the color of coffee with lots of creamer in it & the consistency of yogurt in the cavity between the seal & bottom bearing.
As an unintended consequence, the shift shaft hung up in the slider mechanism connecting the shift handle. I noted the shaft lifted up about an inch & a half. I was able to get it to seat back down, however, the hooks at the trim pin/ rod do not unhook when it is turned. I hope this does not require a re-build of the lower unit to put the shift shaft back in the clutch dog.....as this beyond my skill / tool set. I will need to pay for that service. Any advice on that situation ???
At this point, all I need to do is replace the seal & gasket ???? Cheap. Please advise your thoughts. Thanks again in advance.

[boats.net]

The milky color is water in the oil, you can replace the seals as long as no other damage has been done, you maybe off easy.

[maddogjim]

1988 35hp Merc water in bottom cylinder

Thanks !!! Seals & gaskets are in the mail. Hope to have it back together next week.

Any advice on the shift shaft ?

[maddogjim]

1988 35hp Merc water in bottom cylinder

While lifting the power head off, the shift shaft cam hung up in the slider mechanism on shift cable side of the motor ( looking at the front of the motor - right side) connecting the shift handle. I noted the shaft lifted up about an inch & a half. I was able to get it to seat back down, however, the hooks at the trim pin/ rod do not unhook when it is turned. It does feel as if it is seated / connected to the shift shaft coming out of the lower unit. Schematic shows a simple coupling joint for both shafts & some kind of cam unit to work the lock mech at the trim pin.

Parts arrive shortly & I'd like to the shift shaft back in working order so I can proceed on re-installing the power head.
Any advice on how to get this shift shaft part working again ?

Thanks !