NEWBIE * disaster on first day*

[Britner]

Ok,

So I am not going to lie, I am totally new to the world of boats & boating. I am a FF, have decent knowledge of many DIY areas including pumps, pumping, rebuilding pressure washers and generally consider myself pretty handy! BUT, when it comes to boats & engines etc, I am an idiot. mainly as I could rely on my wifes brother who is a mechanic, owns a shop and carried out all my work! Anyway here goes.

I just bought a 1986/7 Sea Ray Seville 19', 185 GM based MerCruiser. It had been stored and winterized for the previous 3 years, until I bought it for $4500. The interior & canvas covers etc were totally original & immaculate. I started it on the driveway with muffs, then dropped the motor into a horse trough filled with water. All seemed good. My friend that was with me at the time (that I actually bought it off, but hadn't) said it looked fine, just keep an eye on the temp gauge.

Day of the doomed maiden voyage. We took it out, started fine, slowly pulled away from dock, again fine. After 5 mins, still fine, went up to about 30mph. We noticed more & more smoke, then bam. Lots of smoke, engine shut down, possible fire! I whipped off the engine cover & emptied an extinguisher into the back side of the engine! Not 100% sure it was a fire, blue/grey not black smoke, but had good velocity and I swear I could hear crackling. We rowed for a few minutes then luckily another boater saw what had happened and towed us in. End of that. I did try the key again and totally no power! Maybe it got hot (nothing above 120 on the gauge though) and started a small electrical fire?

This is what I DO KNOW.

It won't start.
The engine is not seized.
The outboard seems to lose hydraulics. I put it in trailer position, hours later it is down again.
There is oil in the bottom of the boat.
There is NO WATER in the oil.

These are the things that the boat service companies have suggested.

Maybe cracked block.
Maybe broken Intake Manifold.
Head Gasket.
Electrical.

Right now I don't know. I am having a friend come over shortly and take a look. He is going to check the electrical first, then compression test. I also know a 30+ year GM mechanic that would probably be able to take a look at it. Again, I have phoned around the boat dealers (Kalispell Montana, CDA Idaho) and been given prices of $800- $7000, depending whats up!) and they are also snowed under summarizing right now. My GM guy could look this week for me.

I am just hoping that it does not turn in to a pretty expensive row boat! that would suck.

Just a few of your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Andy
Kimberley BC, Canada.

 

[bucknutjoe]

Re: NEWBIE * disaster on first day*

Welcome to the greatest forum ever, Andy. First things first. Click on the adults only section and read a couple things like how to post, and where to find the manuals you need. I'm not being difficult, but I started exactly the way you are, and you are missing some key info, i.e. engine type, outdrive info, serials, etc. you'll see. Then find the manuals that correspond with what you've got. They're worth their weight in good. No wait, make that platinum!

Good luck!

 

[Don S]

Re: NEWBIE * disaster on first day*

What engine and drive do you have? Serial numbers work, even a picture would help at this point.

Correct terminology would be handy as well, you don't put your motor into a water tank, you lower the drive (aka sterndrive or outdrive) into it or use muffs.

Spend some time visiting the stickies at the top of this forum (first threads), here is a quick link http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser...have-technical-information-diyers-342393.html. Especially item 2.

At this point, I would suspect burned up impeller that eventually burned through the exhaust hoses causing all the smoker. Engine probably seriously overheated but gauge not working because there was no water in the system.

 

[Britner]

Re: NEWBIE * disaster on first day*

Thanks for the input.

And I totally understand the replies, no offence taken! I am on many other forums where I am the expert, so I know what you mean!
I did already click on the Adults only section, and have trolled through many threads already. I was posting as an initial way to get it off my chest!

I will follow up shortly with a more accurate posting.

Thanks again.

Andy.
Kimberley BC, Canada.

 

[500dollar744ti]

Re: NEWBIE * disaster on first day*

The smoke was probably from an exhaust overheat from inadequate exhaust cooling, likely the result of a bad impeller. If you are lucky, you can replace the impeller, the burned exhaust tubing and likely you will need new exhaust shutters, it's not that bad of a job.

It probably smelled like burning popcorn didn't it? That's what is smells like when the exhaust overheats and you get the plume of smoke from the rubber couplers.

I know because my port side exhaust just did this last weekend, you may have caught it in time. My motor is fine but I've got a new impeller, the exhaust overheat was a result of a clogged manifold and riser.

 

[stonyloam]

Re: NEWBIE * disaster on first day*

The first clue was the "watch the temperature" caution. I suspect Don is correct and you have seriously overheated the engine. I suspect the impeller in the outdrive waterpump is shot and you were not getting enough cooling water. That water not only cools the engine, it also is dumped into the exhaust to cool the gasses leaving the manifold. With inadequate water flow the hot gasses will melt (smoke) the engine exhaust bellows. So check behind the engine for damage to the rubber parts. If that rubber is damaged, it is also likely your exhaust shutters are shot. You may also have damaged the impeller housing and water pocket cover in the outdrive. Good luck.

 

[thumpar]

Re: NEWBIE * disaster on first day*

When you put the drive in the water bucket how high was the water? You may have burned up the impeller if the water wasn't high enough. That would then cause the rubber exhaust parts to burn up like others have said. The tilt/trim not staying up probably has nothing to do with it. Get some pics up from where the problem was. Is the oil low or could the oil in the bilge be old?

 

[achris]

Re: NEWBIE * disaster on first day*

... I am a FF, have decent knowledge of many DIY areas including pumps, pumping, rebuilding pressure washers and generally consider myself pretty handy! ....

I'm going to show my complete ignorance here... What is an 'FF'? Fem Fatale? maybe?

Chris........

 

[thumpar]

Re: NEWBIE * disaster on first day*

I thought it was Fire Fighter.

 

[Britner]

Re: NEWBIE * disaster on first day*

Sorry, yeah, FF is Fire fighter.

Thanks for the help. I did get the impeller out and yep, it was fried. It was literally melted. I will be checking the other parts that you mentioned tomorrow.

Before taking it apart, I did get it started again, a fuse had blown from the ignition. Maybe a safety? I ran the motor with the muffs on, and and it was getting hot again.

I have my fingers crossed that it is only the impeller that is toast!

Thanks!!

 

[500dollar744ti]

Re: NEWBIE * disaster on first day*

If the impeller is that bad, you may want to look at the housing, it probably needs replacement while you're in there.

edit:// just saw your picture, the housing is melted, replace it too.

 

[thumpar]

Re: NEWBIE * disaster on first day*

It probably fried while you ran it in the bucket. The water needs to be higher than just he water intakes. It takes less than a minute to toast an impeller with no water. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but your rubber exhaust parts are probably fried too, along with the shutters.

 

[achris]

Re: NEWBIE * disaster on first day*

I'm afraid I am the bearer of unglad tidings... See the blistering on the pump housing? That means one thing. Lots of un-cooled hot exhaust gases in the exhaust chamber....

Have a read here -> http://forums.iboats.com/mercruiser...s/im-running-hot-help-556903.html#post3825409
When you're ready to re-assemble, have a look at this video -> Alpha style water pump service

Chris.....

 

[littlebookworm]

Re: NEWBIE * disaster on first day*

OK. You made a rookie mistake. It's going to take some replacement and repair; but, hopefully, all is not lost. Follow the advice you've been given. Get the manuals and check on uTube for a video on how to change the water pump. Change the pump, exhaust hoses, and exhaust shutters. Check all the other coolant hoses for damage. If in doubt, replace them. Probably, you didn't do any permanent damage to the engine or other gaskets. As to the outdrive falling down overnight, you've got a leak in the hydraulic system. It may be a seal in one of the tilting pistons or hoses or an inbternal leak in the pump itself. Check your manual for specific diagnostic procedures, but start by looking for oil on the driveway and in the bilge. Good luck and welcome to the club. And thank you for your service in protecting your community. You guys put your lives on the line for others every day. The least we can do is try to help you out with your boating problems. Boat safely. Hy

 

[achris]

Re: NEWBIE * disaster on first day*

.... As to the outdrive falling down overnight, ...

I missed that... If it's a Prestolite pump, 99% it's the check valves in the pump body... Not serviceable, sorry. Replace the pump.

Chris........

 

[bonzoscott]

Re: NEWBIE * disaster on first day*

Also need to remove all burned / broken pieces of the impeller from the cooling system.

 

[ktbarrentine]

Re: NEWBIE * disaster on first day*

If not already subtly mentioned elsewhere, you also have most likely fried your water pocket cover where the water from the water pump goes up into the upper part of the outdrive. Look very closely at that piece for melting/distortion. If not sealed properly (i.e., replaced if damaged), it will cause further problems. Can you send a photo of that part?

 

[Britner]

Re: NEWBIE * disaster on first day*

You guys are so on it! Here are some of the pics. You will see you were right!

 

[Britner]

Re: NEWBIE * disaster on first day*

Thanks for the words Littlebookworm, much appreciated.

 

[Don S]

Re: NEWBIE * disaster on first day*

Ok, lets get you some tools to work with here. You have a 4.3 Chevy V6, model is a 175 with an Alpha I outdrive.



Here is links to the service manuals for your engine and drive.
#7 Engine manual
#6 Drive Manual

If you have the drive off, go ahead and start the engine (NO water) and see if it will start ok. No need to run it for more than a few seconds, just to make sure it still starts.

Other things you are going to need to replace is your exhaust hoses, the elbow gaskets, and the exhaust shutters. They will all be burned up. Hoses 1 & 5, shutters 6




From the looks of your impeller housing, you may have been lucky enough not to have melted your water pocket (it's located in the upper)