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Honda 9.9A correct head gasket?

A

andynav

New member
I ordered a new head gasket for my 9.9A and I'm not sure if it is correct. According to the Honda marine parts lookup 12251-ZV4-610 is the correct gasket for the entire serial number range, but it has "bridges" across the the cooling channels that don't correspond to my head (see pictures). I can't seem to find a new gasket that doesn't have these bridges. Is this gasket correct? If yes, should I cut the bridges to maintain flow in the cooling channels? Thanks!
Screen Shot 2018-11-18 at 6.47.53 PM.jpgScreen Shot 2018-11-18 at 6.40.12 PM.jpg
 
I agree with racerone....

....probably an "update" to strengthen the gasket or modify cooling flow.

The 12251-Z4-610 is, indeed, listed across all the 1999 models of the 9.9 and all of the gasket depictions for the 1999 show those bridges.
I would not cut them out.

What year model is your outboard?
 
Thanks for help. I believe it is a 1999, though don't have it in front of me so can't look up serial at the moment.

What makes me suspicious is when I bought the replacement head I saw a similar head on ebay that does have bridges between the cooling passages which correspond to the gasket (see picture). According to the listings both heads are part number 12200-ZV4-010ZA. So maybe they changed the design and the gasket works for both? It's just weird because the old gasket shows no sings of having the "bridges." But sounds like I should just go ahead and put it in there?

Thanks

Screen Shot 2018-11-19 at 3.48.03 PM.jpg
 
That IS interesting. The problem is that we can only guess what happened and what Honda engineering had in mind. These motors are so old that, even if you contacted Honda about it, THEY might not have a clear and definitive answer for you. But, if you have the time, you could try.

Sorry that I don't have better info for you. I can only offer that I would use the gasket as is and keep a close eye on cooling the first couple of hours I worked the outboard.

Good luck.
 
The original part number for your motor was 12551 ZV4 004 and was superseded by 12551 ZV4 610, so yes, you have the correct gasket which should be used as is without cutting any part of it.
 
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