OMC Zephyr 15S10S water in lower cylinder only

Z

zephyr_15S10S

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May 17, 2009
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I have an OMC Zephyr 15S10S Saildrive that takes on water in the lower cylinder after engine stop.

Once drained, the motor will turn over and start. There is plenty of water flow and there is an oily discharge. (I assume it is not firing on the lower ?wet? cylinder when cold.) Once adequately warmed up it runs smoothly at full throttle. The engine appears to have good compression and torque, but 'diesels" on idle.

Once the engine quits there is water in the lower cylinder only.

Further observation: The wet muffler can is void of water when the engine is stopped.

Suggestions?
 
D

DeskSailing

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May 28, 2009
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Re: OMC Zephyr 15S10S water in lower cylinder only

I'm currently dealing with this issue as well. There are two thoughts as to whats going on.

1) The manifold gasket has failed and water is getting in that way.

Or

2) The head seals (Two double lip seals on the main engine shaft) seizes or pushed out due to water freezing above them (bad winterizing).

If you had a bad winterizing then this is the most likely issue. The manual tells you that you can pull the powerhead off while the boat is in the water but if the water pump seals are in bad shape as well then water can gush into the boat.

Let me know if this helps.
 
Z

zephyr_15S10S

Recruit
Joined
May 17, 2009
Messages
2
Re: OMC Zephyr 15S10S water in lower cylinder only

Easy fix.

Paid to have a certified marine mechanic come and sort it out.

Took the head off and turned the flywheel by hand. Found that water was entering the lower cylinder through the exhaust port.

Took the exhaust manifold off and could not find any fault with the cooling jacket circuit.

Closed the rear water petcock and lifted the power head off the base place and found the problem.

Small gap in the lower seal. (Likely poor winterizing.) Changed the seal and reinstalled the power head.

Problem solved.
 
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