85 evinrude 25hp help gasket

[Tgc1021]

Picked up a very cheap 85 evinrude 25hp motor that needs work. Compression is good but I believe it had a bad power head gasket. Inside the cowl at the base it was covered in oil. Also had oil all over were the power head connects to mid shaft on the outside. Pulled the powerhead and do believe it’s the gasket. I bought this to learn on and am fairly inexperienced so I just want some confirmation. I’ll post pics below along with model/ser #. Also is there normally two gaskets for the powerhead? One on the inside and a second one on the outside of the motor. Sorry I’m still learning the proper terminology. Thanks for any advice/help

 

[Tgc1021]

 

[CedarRiverScooter]

I would clean all the soot off - try carb cleaner, a small rag & a long screwdriver to get into corners. Then see if it gets wet again right away. If not & it runs OK, maybe just use as is.

 

[user 21074]

17B0A41B-6256-409D-8D67-CE59E528CA8A.jpeg

If you really want to put new gasket on it go for it if you want to learn.Not e pensive job.Doesn’t look that bad for a 1985 motor.I have the same one in short shaft rope start.Not that dirty so maybe you do have a failing gasket.I just got a 2003 parts motor for now that had that all over the steering and under and some in pan..worse than yours.Pressure washed it and will see what happens if it ever runs.

 

[wmk0002]

I would lean towards cleaning it up best you can and then running it, at least initially. I would think if it runs the same with both the cowl on and off then it means you are not leaking exhaust gasses into the intake area which would probably be the biggest issue it would cause. Also check to see if any cooling water is leaking from it. However, like mentioned, it should be a pretty easy job and it will allow you to do a better cleaning job. From the pics, the motor seems to be in good shape and pretty clean overall. I don't think any answer is right/wrong. If you do opt to change the gasket and have issues, I'm sure you will get help on here.