I had a leaking head gasket. It was leaking from the water port out. We pulled the heads and are ready to get parts. It's an '81 Mercruiser 350. The head gaskets that where in it where part # GM6289577. There where only small hole where the water passages are instead of the whole passage being open. Is that normal? I called the local auto parts store. They said I would have to get gaskets from Mercuiser. Can anyone help me and tell me what I need for head gaskets? I plan on getting the heads planed and possibly magnafluxed. Also do I need new head bolts? Am I missing anything?

The motor is in great shape other than this.

Thanks Brian

I ran my last boat (GM 350) for 250 + hours on standard GM head gaskets. I'm not saying that is what you should do, but it worked for me.
Jon

You should not need new head bolts, what can i say FELPRO, FELPRO ,blue no re- torque.


good luck

If you think there's even the remotest chance the boat will ever be run in saltwater get the Felpro marine top-end gasket set. If you know it will see only freshwater go with the automotive set. If your parts supplier can't or won't help you out get a different supplier or e-mail me.

Don't even mess around get the Felpro marine head gasket. Torque them down and never touch em again.