PowerHead Gasket Question

[NoCAL]

Motor was in for annual maintenance and as they were buttoning everything up and function testing, they noticed a leak around the power head. It has a lot of calcium built up so the determined it has been that way for awhile. Anyway, they say they need to replace the head gasket. So they have to order the part and install it next week. They are quoting me at least 3 hours of labor at $150/hour. This on top of the $1200 annual service! Does that gasket replacement sound reasonable? I'm going to be out over two grand just for taking it in for regular service!

NoCAL

[Champ 2001]

I just looked at a receipt I had when my power head gasket was replaced along with re sealing my trim steering end caps. 4.5 hrs. I think 3 hrs is probably good.

[Champ 2001]

I am in the middle of an annual service myself. I think I have a lower crankshaft seal leaking on mine. If they are going to pull your power head, it might be the time to replace that seal while it's removed? Preventative maintenance.

[Bob G.]

$1200 for annual service???

Do you have a list of what was done?

If the powerhead is removed, inspect or replace the lower crank seal. I spent 2 days scraping the old powerhead gasket off.

I’d make sure the gasket really needs replaced. Have you been using the same shop all along?

[NoCAL]

I've bought one boat and done a repower on my current boat with this same dealer but the mechanics change over time. I'll ask about the lower crankshaft seal.

NoCAL

[EuropeanAM]

Time is fair- especially if it has the earlier style gasket on it. The gasket itself is quite expensive, but well worth the improvements.

Thinking that there must be something you're having done that's in addition to the items listed in '"Recommended Maintenance.... for Optimax Engines" (see FAQ Section)- I know things are a bit higher out there but sheesh... that's up there.

[wmitch2]

I've bought one boat and done a repower on my current boat with this same dealer but the mechanics change over time. I'll ask about the lower crankshaft seal.

NoCAL

I "Know A Guy" if you're willing to drive to Fresno !!

[NoCAL]

Don, the work order says Full Service and came directly off their pricing board. I know it includes gearcase lube, impeller, propshaft lube, spark plugs, and full computer diagnostics. Not sure what else would be included. It does seem high but maybe that’s the reality out here.

NoCAL

[Champ 2001]

Also should include fuel filter, compressor belt insp/replace, air filter, lubricate all fittings, steering fluid insp, torquing of all bolts, jackplate, motor attach bolts,etc. I probably am missing some, but for $1200 you should be getting that along with your list of items you already know.

[NoCAL]

Yes, they definitely mentioned some of those things.

[Champ 2001]

Just to be sure. They are pulling the power head and not one of the cylinder heads correct?

[DewRonInc]

Well that engine has o ringed heads, no gasket. Didn’t they say gaskets

[JOE54]

gotnee pics of calcium build up

[lpugh]

Joe he texted me a pic. Very small, isolated leak , I would just retorque the powerhead Fastners to spec, clean off the residue and keep an eye on it
ASSEN POW.jpg

[EuropeanAM]

From my experience... what looks like a relatively small leak at IDLE is likely a rather impressive GEIZER at WOT. Lots of electrical connections and components back there- and it may be leaking to the INSIDE as well (into exhaust). Hence it is probably wise to pull the powerhead, correct any surface imperfections and replace the gasket properly.

[NoCAL]

From my experience... what looks like a relatively small leak at IDLE is likely a rather impressive GEIZER at WOT. Lots of electrical connections and components back there- and it may be leaking to the INSIDE as well (into exhaust). Hence it is probably wise to pull the powerhead, correct any surface imperfections and replace the gasket properly.

This was what they told me they were going to do but they have to order parts so the boat will be siting there for a week or so. Thanks all.

NoCAL

[Savage]

The confusion comes from the OP's original question of a "Head gasket"

The OP's problem is actually a "Powerhead gasket"

NoCal is a good guy that has helped me several times with Lowrance questions.

[joco0101]

Also should include fuel filter, compressor belt insp/replace, air filter, lubricate all fittings, steering fluid insp, torquing of all bolts, jackplate, motor attach bolts,etc. I probably am missing some, but for $1200 you should be getting that along with your list of items you already know.

Optimax ProXS's have air filters‽

[JOE54]

some do (200) 250s dont

[DewRonInc]

300s don’t either, looked like one would have been a good idea