Milky Oil - OMC Cobra 3.0L

[lilbigman81]

Hi everyone. Went to change the oil in our '88 Four Winns today and found the oil to be milky. We purchased the boat earlier this year and it was stored in doors. Before we bought it, we ran it on muffs and everything was looking good. We ran it a couple of times after that with no problems. On Tuesday we finally got the boat in the water and it ran well. No water in the bilge. Today we went to change the oil and filter and found the oil to be high on the dip stick and a milky color. We drained the oil, changed the filter, added 4 new quarts of oil, started the engine, and found water to be leaking from somewhere on the left side of the engine. Couldn't see any cracks at this time. There was no water leaking when we ran it Tuesday. Anyone have thoughts as to where to start and is this a possible do it yourself job? I would appreciate any help. Thanks!!

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Milky Oil - OMC Cobra 3.0L

Howdy,


Most likely, you have a cracked block. The 3.0L engine block usually cracks externally on the port side just under the intake/exhaust manifold.

Internally, it can crack in several weak places in the water jacket.

Your only recourse will be to replace the block.

Before you do, you should pressure check the block using an air compressor.


It appears that a previous owner didn't winterize correctly.


Sorry about that,


Rick

 

[lilbigman81]

Re: Milky Oil - OMC Cobra 3.0L

Well I used a mirror and looked up under the manifold and flu d what appears to be about a six in crack. Really frustrates me since I'm almost positive it's from the PO and it was disclosed at time of sale. Looks like its time for a. Lock replacement. Anyone have suggestions where to be looking for parts? I'm located in southwest Michigan. Thanks for your help!

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Milky Oil - OMC Cobra 3.0L

You'll need another engine. The 3.0L engine is an industrial and marine engine. You probably won't find one in a wrecking yard unless they have old generators, small tractors and fork-lifts etc.

Either look for a machine shop that repairs cracked blocks or find one that sells long blocks. They're all over the place.

http://chicagoengines.com/marine/new-marine-engines.htm
http://www.marineengines4less.com/buy_marineengines.html
http://www.marinepowerservice.com/BoatingStore/browse_detail3.cfm/productID/24029.cfm
http://www.usengine.us/marine.html
ebay
craigslist
etc


Since you have a fairly desirable drive, you could also consider finding a similar boat with maybe a rotten transom/floor that has a complete Mercruiser or Volvo Penta set up.

This way, you could replace the entire mess. (that's what I did) You could probably get about $1000 or so for your drive.

Regards,


Rick

 

[lilbigman81]

Re: Milky Oil - OMC Cobra 3.0L

Well we sold the boat to a guy with the same exact boat. His outdrive was bad so it worked out. Actually sold it for $100 more than we paid for it. So we almost broke even after some of the repairs we did. Ended up picking up a 1986 Thundercraft with a Mercruiser.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: Milky Oil - OMC Cobra 3.0L

Well we sold the boat to a guy with the same exact boat. His outdrive was bad so it worked out. Actually sold it for $100 more than we paid for it. So we almost broke even after some of the repairs we did. Ended up picking up a 1986 Thundercraft with a Mercruiser.

Believe me, you'll be MUCH happier with a Mercruiser..........(unless it's a 3.7L aluminum block 4 cyl! ..........then you've jumped out of one "frying pan" into another!)

Good luck!


Rick