[corzy]

Hi there, new to the forum, and my first thread isn't a fun topic.
Just wondering if anyone can give me some advise as i dont want to be taken by the company who winterized my boat (incorrectly)
I have a 25' , 1986 sea ray sundancer, with a 350 chev, 260 merc.
end of last season i rode it over to my trailer, didn't notice any funny sounding noises that i can remember, trailered it to the shop, they winterized it, changed the oil, and we stored it for the winter.
this season, charged the bateries, replaced the drain plug and started the motor with the muffs on. Ran OK, took it to the ramp, and drove it over to the marina, while on my way noticed a knock in the engine. checked the oil (didn't do this earlyer as they changed it during the winterization) and sure enough it was milky. had the oil changed, started it up again and instantly milky. took the boat to the marine shop, where they pulled the motor, opened up the top end and found nothing wrong with the heads or block, so we sent it to the compay who winterized it (not impressed we didn't take it there first) and now waiting for there millright to look at the block closer (i guess)
the guy at the marina was asking foolish questions to find our boat engine knowledge like did you check your antifreeze when you got to the marina and stuff like that. Were not totally in the dark but also not mechanics.
the rings didn't have any score marks on them and no burnt spots inside the cylinders.
the guy who winterized assures it wont end up being the cause from water freezing, but could't come up with an answer to where the water came from.

any advise would be really appreciated.
thanks
Corzy

[nlain]

I can only think of a couple of things to cause your problem, crack in the casting, block or heads, possibly rust through form water jacket which I doubt. There are many engines that run in salt water, not sure what you are in, that last as long or longer than yours and usually have a mechanical failure and get rebuilt. If you had a water cooled oil cooler you would have oil in the water not water in the oil since oil pressure is greater that water pressure. I go more with the crack in water jacket to the oil, either block or heads. If manifold or riser problem you would have water on top of the piston and not an instant mix to the oil, you would have a hydro lock situation there. You may want to get an outside party involved to check behind everybody to be sure of the correct diagnosis. Someone of your choosing, not either of the two places already involved, and not someone they recommend. If no problems last year then I would feel like you that improper winterize is the culprit. It would have been good if you had checked the oil before ever starting the engine this year. I hope it works out in your favor.

[corzy]

thanks alot for the info, I appretiate it.