1968 StarCraft Holiday restoration

[Watermann]

Waiting is the hardest part, -Tom Petty

 

[jdvasher]

Waiting is the hardest part, -Tom Petty

So True

 

[jdvasher]

time for the fun to begin..

 

[jdvasher]

Well, this was quite the process. I am glad I did it because I now have a complete understanding of the outdrive and will make future repairs and maintenance a breeze. That said, it was not an easy task. There are definitely a couple more specialty tools I will acquire before doing this job again. Now the Outdrive is mounted, topped off with lube, and ready to rock...

Pay no attention to the twisted hydraulic lines, I plan to fix them.

 

[jdvasher]

The Mercruiser Manual actually shows a hand inside of the housing holding the pinion nut. LMFAO... Not a chance in hell I was fitting my hands in there.

 

[jdvasher]

As far as outdrive paint goes, would rustoleum rattle can work or is there something in particular I should use? It looked pretty good when I got it but the degreaser I used to clean everything up took off all of the shine, now its all dull and dingy looking.

 

[jdvasher]

Well, going to get the ole girl wet this morning, whish me luck

 

[Watermann]

Don't forget the camera!

Oh and for outdrive paint, they make Phantom black in rattle cans.

 

[jdvasher]

Well I have some bad news to report. About 30minutes in the oil pressure dropped suddenly to about 5 psi. I was able to idle back to port so that was good. I suspect I spent a rod bearing do to a light knocking sound on the way back. I'll update when I get a chance to pull the pan for some diagnostics.

 

[jdvasher]

Don't forget the camera!

Oh and for outdrive paint, they make Phantom black in rattle cans.

View attachment 341627

Thank you, I did not know this existed

 

[BOYS & TOYS]

Well I have some bad news to report. About 30minutes in the oil pressure dropped suddenly to about 5 psi. I was able to idle back to port so that was good. I suspect I spent a rod bearing do to a light knocking sound on the way back. I'll update when I get a chance to pull the pan for some diagnostics.

That's not nice.
Any chance a lifter got out of place. That will cause low pressure and some noise. I would pull the valve cover first and look at the valve train.

 

[jdvasher]

That's not nice.
Any chance a lifter got out of place. That will cause low pressure and some noise. I would pull the valve cover first and look at the valve train.

ya know, your right, I hadnt thought of that. good Idea

 

[jdvasher]

Well, I drained the oil through a paint filter, including the oil left in the engine filer and no chunks. The oil was pretty dark which I find odd with only about 4 hours of runtime. I pulled the lifter cover and all lifters and push rod are in place.

Forgot to mention, I removed the oil pressure sending unit first and replaced with a mechanical gauge and nothing.

Only things I can think at this point are a spun bearing that hasn't made its way through the pump yet or a broken pickup tube. I'll have to wait for nicer weather to pull the motor and check further.

I'm really glad I decided to add the access panel on the stern now.

 

[jdvasher]

Checked the main and rod bearings. There is some light scoring but I don't see anything bad enough to cause complete loss of pressure. Still have to pull the cam. I turned the oil pump with a drill and it's pumping so that's not it. I did see some extremely fine shavings in the oil pan, looked like glitter.

 

[BOYS & TOYS]

Checked the main and rod bearings. There is some light scoring but I don't see anything bad enough to cause complete loss of pressure. Still have to pull the cam. I turned the oil pump with a drill and it's pumping so that's not it. I did see some extremely fine shavings in the oil pan, looked like glitter.
View attachment 341973View attachment 341975

Hope the issue is not too serious. Make sure the crank journals are smooth before reassemble. A light polish may clean it up if necessary.
Very curious to see the cause

 

[BOYS & TOYS]

Any silicone in the oil passage to the pressure gauge sender? A newly assembled engine will have a very small amount of metal debris in the first oil change normally.

 

[jdvasher]

Well this ain't right..

 

[BOYS & TOYS]

Well this ain't right..View attachment 342064

Yikes. I've had some trouble with larger profile flat tapet camshafts that I use all roller stuff now.
I wouldn't think this cam is very aggressive though.
Should have oil pressure with the trashed lifter.

 

[Moserkr]

Sorry to see all your troubles!! Hope you get it figured out quick for less than an arm n leg.

 

[jdvasher]

At this point I'm considering a new or reman long block. I've already have way to much invested into this pile of iron.