8146581 – Cylinder Head Race Gasket – Mercury

The 8146581 Mercury head gasket is a key sealing component for many Mercury 2.5 Litre outboard engines and racing powerheads. This gasket sits between the engine’s cylinder head and block to create a tight seal around the combustion chambers, helping maintain compression and prevent coolant or oil leakage. Gaskets like this one are essential when rebuilding or servicing marine engines, especially two-stroke and high-performance powerheads.

Designed to meet OEM standards, the 8146581 Mercury head gasket works with both standard and high-performance applications in Mercury 2.5 L engines. This includes Reed Block and cylinder head configurations on compatible models. The gasket’s robust construction helps it withstand heat, pressure, and repeated expansion cycles inside the engine. If a head gasket becomes worn or damaged, you may notice blown head gaskets, coolant loss, or reduced compression — all of which can significantly reduce performance or cause engine damage.

When servicing your marine engine, always inspect and replace worn head gaskets like this one. Make sure the cylinder surfaces and head deck are clean before installing a new 8146581 Mercury head gasket. Also check torque specifications and follow proper tightening sequences during assembly to ensure the gasket seals properly and evenly. Proper installation helps prevent leaks and keeps your engine running efficiently.

Shop at Arizona Outboard Dismantlers to keep your outboard running strong and ready for the water.