Did Newbie Mistake Freeze Engine ?

[Ed Shalom]

I have a 1975 sterndrive Model 120 (140 hp) SN # 4159444.

The engine was starting up fine, but I did not see any hot water / steam exiting from the stern drive assembly, so I turned the engine off.

Thinking that maybe I could "prime the pump" (this may be the stupid part), I introduced water into the top of exhaust manifold by removing what seemed to be a sensor, and a L shaped brass fitting on the top. When I tried to start her up, it seemed to move for a fraction of a rotation, and then froze. All attempts to restart, such as using a parallel battery only result in solenoid clicks.

What an embarrassing way to take part in this forum ! Did I ruin the engine with some kind of hydraulic freeze ?

Thanks, mateys...

 

[bruceb58]

Pull the plugs and crank the engine to get all the water out that you introduced into the cylinder.

Were you running on muffs when you didn't get any water exiting the drive? BTW, takes 30 seconds for the water to start exiting the drive. If this boat is new to you, I would be replacing the water pump impeller in the drive.

 

[Bt Doctur]

I know of no fitting in the manifold that has a sensor Can you post a pic of it

 

[Bt Doctur]

http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/13/13C6R2.PDF

 

[Ed Shalom]

I did pull the plugs, but since the engine won't turn over, maybe I can't expel the water (if it is in the cylinders).

I was using muffs, and allowed the engine to run over 30 secs.

In my Clymer manual (page 393), it indicates there is a 60 amp circuit breaker in line with the starter - is it possible that I can activate the solenoid, and yet not allow the starter to turn ? (for reasons of insecurity, I did not try pulling the starter off to see if it works without a load.

Thanks again !

 

[Bt Doctur]

No really , if the gauges come alive and you hear the solenoid engage it should crank.If you had a hydrolock pulling the spark plugs would allow the motor to spin over by letting the water squirt out of the cylinders. There is a slave solenoid you can jump the get the starter to spin if it can.
Heres the wiring
http://www.boatfix.com/merc/Servmanl/13/13E4R2.PDF

 

[2fishy4u]

Try to manually crank it over while the plugs are out to see if it is froze. you should be able to crank it by hand with no plugs. If it turns the issue is in the soleniod, starter, or electrical. If you can crank it by hand the starter would have no issue whatsoever.

 

[Ed Shalom]

How do I crank the engine manually ?

 

[andrewterri]

depending on your set up you can get a screw driver between two bolts on the water pump and turn it after the plugs are removed. On a car engine you would put a socket on the harmonic balancer and turn it over with the ratchet/breaker bar. On many boat engines the front motor mount prevents that. I do not know your engine well enough to be able to tell you where the best place on your specific engine would be. Somebody with more knowledge of your engine I'm sure will chime in on where is the best place.