Re: blown out core plugs
Tie one on,<br /><br />The ice that pushed out the core plug may have also cracked your engine block. Before wasting much of your time on this engine, I would check to see if the block and heads are OK. <br /><br />First check the oil level in the engine to see if you see any water in the oil. But, a recently cracked block may not allow water to enter the crankcase - SO:<br /><br />1.) Put the original plugs back in the core holes with what ever glue you can find to hold them in place temporarily (permatex, silicone, or even construction adhesive). <br /><br />2.) Then hook up the stern drive/engine to the "muffs" i.e. garden hose and start the engine. Try to run it enough to warm it up to full operating temperature while checking for leaking water from block cracks, head cracks, or intake manifold cracks. If the only leaks are from the core plugs, so far so good.<br /><br />3.) Next, if the engine appears to be operating well, stop the engine and again check the oil level and quality. It may have changed color and appear to be creamy if it has water in it - or it may be poring out of the oil breather filler and look like hot peanut butter. <br /><br />4.) Assuming the engine is still viable, go to your marine dealer and purchase new "freeze plugs" and install them as per instruction using suitable permatex and a tap of a hammer in the center of the brass plug. <br /><br />5.) I you get this far and the engine is OK, you have dodged a major bullet. Next year drain and winterize the block before it freezes.<br /><br />Lots of luck with you project !!
