2.5 oil spray on engine & oil milky

[djmeaney]

I am buying an old Starcraft that has a 2.5 Mercruiser with an oil 'issue'. Looking for direction on where to start - possible causes. (Also the fact the engine may be worthless is factored into the buying price).

Seller says he has used the boat several times this year, but the last time while running at close to WOT something sounded different. He removed the dog house and found oil spraying on the manifold in front of the carb. He brought the engine down to idle (it ran fine) for several minutes to get back to the boat ramp. This was last weekend and it was fresh water.

When I checked the dipstick last night the oil was milky and when I removed the oil filler cap I saw milk oil on the rocker arms. The engine still cranks, but didn't start. Lastly, the exhaust bellows is not connected on the pre alpha outdrive, but the seller says his mechanic told him that would not be a problem.

Soooo, I'm thinking the first to change the oil and filter to get rid of the water to prevent further damage.

Given that oil was spraying from the manifold area that would seem to be a good place to start. Is it best to remove the riser and manifold?

I have done a bit auto mechanic work, but no experience with inboard marine engines.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Dan

 

[Don S]

Re: 2.5 oil spray on engine & oil milky

How much over full was the dipstick reading?

 

[djmeaney]

Re: 2.5 oil spray on engine & oil milky

Don,

I didn't wipe the dipstick when I pulled it. I'll check that tomorrow when I take possession of the boat.

Dan

 

[Don S]

Re: 2.5 oil spray on engine & oil milky

I wouldn't be taking possession of a boat that may have a cracked block. NEVER believe a seller. They want one thing, to get rid of their junk and to turn your money into theirs.

 

[djmeaney]

Re: 2.5 oil spray on engine & oil milky

Don,

Your right.

In this case it's an 18' aluminum Starcraft for $500. I figure the trailer, aluminum scrap value, out drive and other assorted parts are worth more than the cost. If the engine is toast, which I am assuming it is - but want to confirm, than I would look for decent used motor from a donor boat. It's also an opportunity to teach the kids about engine repair!

It's easier for me to spend a few hundred here and there than it is to save a bigger chunk of money for better boat/motor - money always seems to disappear.
I may come out spending the same in the long run, but I enjoy the work and I learn a heck of a lot along the way.

So, I'm guessing you think the block is cracked - that was my first thought too.

Thanks,

Dan

 

[thumpar]

Re: 2.5 oil spray on engine & oil milky

I would go in planning to replace the block. Then the worst case is that you have to replace the block. If you do put in a 3.0l.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 2.5 oil spray on engine & oil milky

Don,

Your right.

In this case it's an 18' aluminum Starcraft for $500. I figure the trailer, aluminum scrap value, out drive and other assorted parts are worth more than the cost. If the engine is toast, which I am assuming it is - but want to confirm, than I would look for decent used motor from a donor boat. It's also an opportunity to teach the kids about engine repair!

It's easier for me to spend a few hundred here and there than it is to save a bigger chunk of money for better boat/motor - money always seems to disappear.
I may come out spending the same in the long run, but I enjoy the work and I learn a heck of a lot along the way.

So, I'm guessing you think the block is cracked - that was my first thought too.

Thanks,

Dan

Ayuh,.... Now ya gotta find yerself a Rotten fiberglass boat, with a good runnin' 3.0l motor in it,.... for $500.00...

Ya can be Boatin' for $1500.00, 'n have spare parts...

 

[dollarten]

Re: 2.5 oil spray on engine & oil milky

Your first paragraph pretty well sums up the status of your engine . I have seen many of the 4 bangers back in the day and none of them were curable by fixing something that quit fell off broke or was missing when it came to a water charged crankcase . The spray you could be seeing might be coming from the crankcase vent hose that vents into the air intake ( flame arrester ) Water simply got from the water jackets into the crankcase and got well blended

 

[djmeaney]

Re: 2.5 oil spray on engine & oil milky

How much over full was the dipstick reading?

I would estimate about 2 inches. Boat is on a bit tilt where parked with the dip stick on the low side - but not enough to account for that much.

Dan

 

[Don S]

Re: 2.5 oil spray on engine & oil milky

When oil levels are that much over full, you can bet you have a cracked block. The seller will probably say it's just a leaky head gasket, but we all know that's what everyone says, but it never is.

 

[djmeaney]

Re: 2.5 oil spray on engine & oil milky

When oil levels are that much over full, you can bet you have a cracked block. The seller will probably say it's just a leaky head gasket, but we all know that's what everyone says, but it never is.

Thanks Don.

That is what I figured it was. I'll probably dig into the engine a bit -- figure I can't do much more damage at this point.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: 2.5 oil spray on engine & oil milky

Thanks Don.

That is what I figured it was. I'll probably dig into the engine a bit -- figure I can't do much more damage at this point.

You NEED to figure that you're buying a boat with NO engine.

In view of that, if his asking price is $500, offer him less.

 

[djmeaney]

Re: 2.5 oil spray on engine & oil milky

You NEED to figure that you're buying a boat with NO engine.

In view of that, if his asking price is $500, offer him less.

Price for boat was $250.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: 2.5 oil spray on engine & oil milky

Price for boat was $250.

In this case it's an 18' aluminum Starcraft for $500.

If that's a solid aluminum boat for $250, the scrap value is probably more than that!

I would find a good 3.0L engine and make the swap!

 

[djmeaney]

Re: 2.5 oil spray on engine & oil milky

If that's a solid aluminum boat for $250, the scrap value is probably more than that!

I would find a good 3.0L engine and make the swap!

That's my next mission to find a good 3.0

I'll be searching the archives for tips on getting a good one.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: 2.5 oil spray on engine & oil milky

That's my next mission to find a good 3.0

I'll be searching the archives for tips on getting a good one.

Craigslist/ebay/Boat trader equipment Trader etc.

No car used that engine, but it was used in generators, forklifts etc.....

Best bet might be to find a rotten boat with a good 3.0L engine in it.

I also wouldn't pass up a boat with a v-6 and appropriate (Merc) drive on the back! Then swap the entire mess! And part out the rest!