I started getting my motor running for the spring. Changing out the lower unit lube and getting it started and changing out spark plugs. It would start and die with the old plugs so I put in new plugs (NGK) and it started up and ran fine. When I went to the back to look a it I noticed that it looked like water was coming out of the lowest spark plug. It didn't look mixed, just clear water.

 

Talking to my friends about it and they said bad seal, head gasket, or cracked block perhaps.

 

 

Then I realized that I didn't run the gas out of the motor last season. I do always put Stabil and Seafoam in the gas every time I fill up. My friends said that gas doesn't freeze, water does (duh, on my part) but they said it could be many things.

 

There is also a black board that appears to hold a bunch of wires and stuff against the motor. It seemed to have a bit of movement which I don't remember from before. Could that be a sign of a cracked block?

 

It could also just be my mind thinking that it's loose when it always has been like that and is actually supposed to be like that.

 

 

 

Where the red plug and yellow plugs are are the plastic board that seems loose:

 

 

 

 

Here's a video of it:

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yls_0y-Zxao

Pull the plug and check for cracks.

You should change your LU oil before winter, the point is to get any water out before it freezes.

Pull the plug and check for cracks.

You should change your LU oil before winter, the point is to get any water out before it freezes.

 

 

Cracks near the plug or all over the engine block?

Check for cracks in the spark plug before you get too deep into the head gasket Scenario. After that I would be looking at the gasket

It looks like the plug is flowing water, best to remove that plug a check for a crack right there.

What motor is it?

It looks like the plug is flowing water, best to remove that plug a check for a crack right there.

What motor is it?

 

 

I checked. Didn't see any crack on the motor or near the spark plug, or the spark plug itself.

 

 

 

2000 Mercury 115 horse.

Looks expensive. Can't see how it could be anything but a cracked head to be doing that.

Looks expensive. Can't see how it could be anything but a cracked head to be doing that.

I agree. Did you torque the spark plugs? Possibly over tighten....

I agree. Did you torque the spark plugs? Possibly over tighten....

Don't think so.

It looks like a leaking water jacket cover. I've heard of this happening when the engine gets a little too warm usually caused by an impeller that no longer provides sufficient volume of water. You'll have to remove the water jacket, replace seal, and install a new impeller. Shouldn't be too much of an issue. 

It looks like a leaking water jacket cover. I've heard of this happening when the engine gets a little too warm usually caused by an impeller that no longer provides sufficient volume of water. You'll have to remove the water jacket, replace seal, and install a new impeller. Shouldn't be too much of an issue.

Just heard the same thing from a friend. Maybe you guys are right.

does it even have head gaskets?? lol

 

remove the water jacket and replace the gasket and see if that works.

It looks like a leaking water jacket cover. I've heard of this happening when the engine gets a little too warm usually caused by an impeller that no longer provides sufficient volume of water. You'll have to remove the water jacket, replace seal, and install a new impeller. Shouldn't be too much of an issue.

I watched the video again and I believe you are correct. Good catch..