This is way out of topic, but I respect the folks here, and need some help; I have a 1972 inboard gas marine engine in my old sailboat; it's a 27 HP Universial Atomic 4 ; it's cooled with sea water, just a pump running salt water thru the engine; 2 years ago I found salt water in 2 cylinders (needless to say the engine didn't run) and my mechanic suggested and then did a head gasket ; she ran fine for 40 to 60 hours of use, and then - more water in the aft 2 cylinders nearest the exhaust - and this is important, as I was in rough seas - and there is a possibility water sloshed it's way back up - I did some work on the system to make this less likely, and used the engine for 10 more hours - and then it happened again - so my question is , can a head gasket fail randomly ? Can it hold most of the time and then give out , and then hold again ????
- posted
19 years ago