Merc 165HP Bent Pushrods

[PCongiusta]

I have a 1987 Searay Seville CC with a 165 (2 BBL.) MERCURY 224 I/L4 1987 engine and Alpha Drive. I've always owned this boat and I perform all the maintenance myself. But when I started my engine this morning I heard a loud clanking sound coming out of the engine, I removed the valve cover and found both push rods for cyclinder 4 bent.

Any idea what would cause the intake and exhaust vavles to freeze shut
thereby bending the push rods.

I want to replace both rods and salvage the boating season any ideas on doing that is appreciated.

Thnak you, Paul C. East Brunswick, NJ

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Merc 165HP Bent Pushrods

typically water intrusion from a cracked manifold or riser.
sticks the valves and the pistons wont clear them.
or sticks them shut an somethig has to give when the cam raises the lifter.

 

[nola mike]

Re: Merc 165HP Bent Pushrods

or possibly water in the #4 cylinder, from the same cause...

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Merc 165HP Bent Pushrods

Likely a bad head gasket and water intrusion into #4 cyl. Ask me how I know, or a leaking exhaust manifold gasket. This is a common problem with the 470 engines. Need to pull the head, get a valve job and install hardened exhaust seats. Use OEM Mercruiser head gasket. Lots of guys here to help. Good luck

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Merc 165HP Bent Pushrods

leaky riser allowed water to enter #4. Make sure you get the correct length pushrod

 

[PCongiusta]

Re: Merc 165HP Bent Pushrods

I want to thank everyone for their expert and very helpful advice. Looked at the head last night and applied a little pressure and it released the stuck valve. The valve could have stuck because some antifreeze may have leaked through the gasket that connects the aluminum exhaust manifold and exhaust elbow, as I haven't replaced that gasket in years.

Since this winter?s layup I did run the engine for 5 minutes about two weeks ago and all was fine. So the antifreeze leak and subsequent valve freeze must have just happened in the past two weeks.

I will buy two new pushrods and a new exhaust elbow to reservoir gasket today. And with any luck the valves will be still be good and I can still salvage the boating season this year.

I will take the old pushrod and my engine's serial number to the Mercruiser parts store. I hope the parts clerk matches me up with the correct length push rod as Mercrusier says their are 4 different sizes.

Thank you for all your answers I will post if my repairs are successful.

V/r
Paul C.

 

[6meter]

Re: Merc 165HP Bent Pushrods

Thats what I would do. Start simple and inexpensive.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Merc 165HP Bent Pushrods

Your biggest challenge will be measuring the pushrod to get the correct length. Read Manual 8, section 3A, page 10 tells you all about it. I believe Ford uses the same pushrods. Good luck.

 

[PCongiusta]

Re: Merc 165HP Bent Pushrods

SUCCESS!!

OK I replaced the push rods, they didn't have any dye so I used the standard push rods. Sprayed the problem valve and all the other valves with "PB" brand spray. Replaced the exhaust manifold gasket, I definitely need a new manifold, does anybody know where I can get a cheap one?

Fired up the engine and I'm running great, just like new!

Went fishing today, could not find any keeper flukes but got a dozen crabs.

Thank you all for for your expert advice that helped me salvage my boating and fishing season.

Thank you again and safe boating,
Paul

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Merc 165HP Bent Pushrods

SUCCESS!!

OK I replaced the push rods, they didn't have any dye so I used the standard push rods. Sprayed the problem valve and all the other valves with "PB" brand spray. Replaced the exhaust manifold gasket, I definitely need a new manifold, does anybody know where I can get a cheap one?

Fired up the engine and I'm running great, just like new!

Went fishing today, could not find any keeper flukes but got a dozen crabs.

Thank you all for for your expert advice that helped me salvage my boating and fishing season.

Thank you again and safe boating,
Paul

Good job man! However, " cheap" and that manifold are rarely used in the same sentence!

 

[stonyloam]

Re: Merc 165HP Bent Pushrods

There are some on e-bay, and this guy on craigslist has one, should be off fresh water engine http://rochester.craigslist.org/boa/1824134053.html. Glad things are working out.