40 hs mercury repair

[Frank]

I have some water foming out by the top spark plug on my 40 hs merc.  I am usually good at fixing things and think it may have a gasket under the plate.  before i just go pull that plate off, is there anything I should know about?  Like random springs or parts that im going to lose.

Thank You,
Frank

[mikesmiph]

If it was a car, I'd say it was a haed gasket. You should be able to get schematics on line somewhere. What year is it?

[Erie Bayman]

I changed one on my 40 hp a couple a years ago. There is not alot to it. Just unscrew it scrape the old gasket off and put a new one on.

[Frank]

its a 97.  im afraid to try pulling that apart, it has to be ready saturday.  i have to be on lobdell at 6am.  then i have til thursday on orchard.