G23 - XR550 - Valve Cover Gasket Leaking

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  • jamesmh
    • Jun 2022
    • 9

    • Austin, TX

    • 2016 G23 550
    #1

    G23 - XR550 - Valve Cover Gasket Leaking

    2016 G23 / XR550 approx 480 hours. I had the annual service done by a new to me shop. After the service and while running the boat I noticed a burning odor. Opened up the engine hatch and smoke was coming from the port side of the motor. At first I thought they spilled some oil during the service and it was just burning off. The oil filler is located on that side.

    Unfortunately the smoke persisted after 3 more trips so I called the mechanic. He investigated and said the valve cover gasket has failed and needs to be replaced. Repair is underway but not completed.

    Mechanic said it's a fairly common problem with these motors... I've not heard of this and can't help but think the coincidence of timing with the problem occurring right after the oil change..

    Has anyone experienced this on the XR550? Would overfilling the engine oil cause overpressure and valve gasket failure?

    Is this a fairly easy job to replace the valve cover gasket or major surgery?
    Tags: engine oil, g23, motor, oil change, smoke
    • jpwhit
      Senior Member of PLANETNAUTIQUE
      • Aug 2016
      • 569

      • Cary, NC

      • 1998 Ski Nautique 2012 Nautique 200 2014 MasterCraft X25 . 2019 MasterCraft ProStar
      #2
      No, nothing involved in an oil change would cause that gasket to leak. Including over filling the oil.

      How much had you run the boat after winter storage but before the service / oil change? If not much, then sitting for the winter is the much more likely event to cause the issue.

      It's not major surgery by any means, but on these vintage engines there is a fair amount of stuff in the way that has to come off, so it's not trivial.

        Comment

        • bturner
          1,000 Post Club Member
          • Jun 2019
          • 1631

          • MI

          • 2016 200 Sport Nautique
          #3
          IDK, I've never had one fail on any of my boats but I guess there's always the first time. I also don't know what an XR550 is but based on what I see online it's an LS based GM engine. The manual states 8 valve cover bolts so I'm assuming 4 per side. This should be an easy job depending on access. With close to zero engine skills a bit of courage, some YouTube videos and a desire to do something with your hands, you should be able to knock this out in under 2 hours cover to cover. The added bonus being is that you'll learn something along the way.

          I also agree with JP's statements. Sometimes things just happen.

            Comment

            • jamesmh
              • Jun 2022
              • 9

              • Austin, TX

              • 2016 G23 550
              #4
              We ran the boat 1 time before the service and no issue, then after the service the odor/smoke presented. So could be just a coincidence.

              Sounds like a fixable issue. Thanks guys

                Comment

                • Rednucleus
                  • Jul 2022
                  • 195

                  • WA

                  • Club Boat 2014 Ski Nautique 200
                  #5
                  Maybe start by tightening the bolts 1st; then new gasket if that doesn't help

                    Comment

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