8.1 GXI-J Cranks but No Start w/ Diacom Logs

apisk

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Sure the head or block could crack but would not be expected from what has been listed. A oil change pump is cheap enough, could do your self
My neighbor had an oil change pump and kit so we attempted to do an oil change today. Since it won't start, we had to do it with the oil cold which obviously is not ideal.

If you are squeamish or are anti engine cruelty, look away from these pictures

The pump couldn't get any of the oil out. We tried the electric pump and a manual one, neither could get any out. It was too thick and gunky which makes me have even less confidence that any of this is salvageable
 

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alldodge

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Bummer, but you tried

I have an electric pump and use a piece of 3/8 gas line and hose clamp. Clamp hose to top of dip stick tube, makes it easier to suck out but still more difficult when cold
 

apisk

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Bummer, but you tried

I have an electric pump and use a piece of 3/8 gas line and hose clamp. Clamp hose to top of dip stick tube, makes it easier to suck out but still more difficult when cold
The few times it started recently, it took very long to even get up to temp which a few of you called out from the Diacom logs, so not even sure that would have made a difference vs just made it worse (even though the damage is likely done)

Hoping to get some options from the marinas this week and will post updates
 

tpenfield

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If you are having the marina do the work, then they may just want to replace the engine with a new/remanufactured one. It will be pricey.

If you are going the DIY route to some extent, you may be able to have the engine rebuilt, probably will be getting a new cylinder head. Hopefully the block is not cracked where the head bolt came loose.
 

apisk

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If you are having the marina do the work, then they may just want to replace the engine with a new/remanufactured one. It will be pricey.

If you are going the DIY route to some extent, you may be able to have the engine rebuilt, probably will be getting a new cylinder head. Hopefully the block is not cracked where the head bolt came loose.
I am going to be going the route of having the marina do the work, I just don't have the resources, knowledge, or time to do it myself. I think the options are get a new long block and re-use as many accessories as possible, or just go from scratch. Very pricey, but it's cheaper than a new boat
 

apisk

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Merc drop in does come with warranty
I want to explore the Merc options, but I think, or from what some people have told me, is that I would need a special transom assembly as well and then a new outdrive. The $$ may add up a bit too much but I need to explore all avenues at this point
 

alldodge

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I want to explore the Merc options, but I think, or from what some people have told me, is that I would need a special transom assembly as well and then a new outdrive. The $$ may add up a bit too much but I need to explore all avenues at this point
Sorry, I forgot this is a VP unit.
 

apisk

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Sorry, I forgot this is a VP unit.
Yeah it makes it less feasible. The marina said it wouldn't be worth it to do a full swap with all the components that would have to be replaced and the costs associated. They are looking into costs for a new long block as they said it's the best route to go given the circumstances
 

apisk

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One of the techs I spoke with mentioned that he has seen/wouldn't be surprised if the oil cooler failed and that's what caused the water to get into the engine and ultimately hydrolock and snap the head bolt - is that a common cause?
 

alldodge

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One of the techs I spoke with mentioned that he has seen/wouldn't be surprised if the oil cooler failed and that's what caused the water to get into the engine and ultimately hydrolock and snap the head bolt - is that a common cause?
I don't see it, water pressure at 20 psi, oil pressure at 60 psi. Water is not going to get in the oil
 

apisk

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No . . . usually it is the exhaust riser gaskets.
I had the manifolds, risers, exhausts changed at the start of the season - if that was done incorrectly could that have been a cause of this?
 

alldodge

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I had the manifolds, risers, exhausts changed at the start of the season - if that was done incorrectly could that have been a cause of this?
Yes, if incorrect gaskets were used or the exhaust mans, risers or elbows were not flat on gasket surfaces.
 

Donald0039

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You could pull the plugs and turn the engine over and see if any water comes out of the cylinders. If it does then likely a manifold or riser problem.

Seems to me you have two issues, loose head bolt and water in the oil. The only way they are connected is by what is now a head gasket issue.
 

apisk

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Could the below series of events be possible? I am not trying to point blame or anything like that, but rather just trying to understand the flow
  1. Manifolds/Risers/Exhausts possibly installed improperly or used the wrong gasket
  2. Sea water slowly leaks into the engine throughout the season due to the gasket issue
  3. Enough water finally leaked into the engine causing the engine to hydrolock
  4. The hydrolock caused the headbolt to snap

This is obviously a simplified dumbed down version but hoping the flow makes sense
 

tpenfield

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IMO - it is not worth chasing possible causes. You are probably going to have a new engine (at least a new long block) and can start fresh.

Usually, the center & rear cylinders get the water from a leaky exhaust. IIRC, the headbolt that snapped was at the front of the engine. Hydrolock instances from exhaust leakage usually result in connector rod bending.

Also, was it determined if the headbolt snapped or just pulled out of the threads? I would expect the cylinder head to have a fracture in it based on the location of the loose bolt.
 

apisk

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This isn't so much to chase possible causes because the damage is done, but as the long block gets replaced and parts get taken apart I want to be able to try and understand where the weak point was and what caused this.

The bolt definitely snapped. I have found a local repair shop that specializes in VP and their rebuilds so that is who I am going to go with for the work this winter. You are correct, the headbolt that snapped was at the front of the engine on the starboard side

The engine is still in the boat in the water so nothing has been taken apart yet to confirm the depths of the damage
 
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