Engine Rebuild

head gaskets or valve cover gaskets??? slip of the tongue i'm guessing.

As Gary mentioned, there are little spacers to help prevent over torquing. I didn't realize they were even there until after I lost one of them. I thought my new gasket would come with them, but it didn't (i bought a fairly cheap one), so I used the ones i saved. in the one bolt I didn't have the spacer, i just snugged it up, to about the same pressure i used on the other ones (that was in the top left corner on the starboard side). I haven't notice an issue. I used 3M weatherstripping adhesive to adhere the gasket to the VC before putting it on. Not sure if grey RTV is better, probably is.

It is true about pulling the entire engine Gary, but I would have had someone pull it before I attempted it. But it being now a project of replacing head gaskets and watching youtube videos of it on other engine brings up more questions. the Skidim gaskets should be arriving in the mail today but the picture looks like they are cork. As a0128 mentions about crushing gaskets is this a real issue? Are there any torq specs on the bolts I should be aware of has anyone used some grey RTV before placing on the gasket? I have to ask all the questions because my boat is at my cabin and my cabin has limited tools. I want to only bring what I will need for the 5 hour drive. So it appears I will be brining my entire socket set collection. I did not purchase exhaust gaskets so not removing that would be the best option.

GottaSki wrote: Did it as well without removing anything A carefully sized fragment of paper towel mashed between the socket and the bolt head can make the bolt adhere to the socket to ease assembly, much like a magnetic screwdriver.

I think I used duct tape myself - chewing gum proved unreliable.

I had that same year 2001 and replaced the valve cover gaskets with removing the manifold. You will need a 1/4 socket wrench, 1/4" extension and 1/4" swivel. Its tight but can be done. 1000hrs is nothing, I have seen camp and rental nautiques do 3-4k and still running strong

Just don't over torque the bolts and crush the new gaskets.

Yes, I got the rubber fel pro ones . You will need a 1/4 swivel socket

I concur, Run it!

1150 hours aint nothing.

Compression test if you wish

Hey friends, I'm sure there is a thread out there for this but searching didn't bring up anything. My engine has 1150 hours on it. It's a 1985 nautique 2001. I'm thinking its time for a rebuild. I'm finding oil residue around the lower rear areas of the engine valve covers on both sides of the engine block. Engine still is running strong no blue smoke no nothing aside of the oil which is also showing up in the bilge area. My boat is in the mid Michigan area north of Detroit in the thumb area. I'm looking to see if any Michigan people here in the area can recommend an engine shop for a rebuild or engine exchange. And also what is the approx engine rebuild rate going these days?

Thanks!