What does "blown engine" mean

[Sea Mitch]

I was coming in at 4500 rpms, my 93 Yam 250, out of the blue, slowed down and stalled. To make a long story short, I got it started and puttered in at 1700 rpms and asked the mechanic to look at it. He said your engine is blown, your not getting any compression in the #3 cylinder . What can I do? It runs. Why is it "blown"? Can I "fix" that cylinder? He recommended a new engine for $14,000

 

[DJ]

Re: What does "blown engine" mean

First Boat,<br /><br />In the least, you MAY be able to repair that one cylinder. However, that repair may or may not last and I doubt any shop would guarentee it.<br /><br />Your next option is to replace the powerhead for about $4-5,000.00 (including labor). I have a freind that just did this to a 250 Yamaha. The rebuilt powerhead came with a two year warranty.<br /><br />The last option is to replace the entire engine.

 

[Sea Mitch]

Re: What does "blown engine" mean

Thanks for answering Djohns! The rebuilt powerhead seems like definitely the way to go. Will a blown engine run? I guess what I'm trying to find out is if the mechanic is right. the engine starts and revs in neutral. When it's under load is when it slows down. I always thought a blown engine was dead, doesn't run. Is there any other reason for no compression in one cylinder.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: What does "blown engine" mean

The number one thing is to find out what made the motor do what it did. Otherwise you will transfer the cause of the problem from this powerhead to the replacement (or the rebuilt powerhead).<br /><br />Don't settle for answers like "the piston failed" or "a rod let go". Broken rods and damaged pistons are a result -- not a cause. <br /><br />There is always a cause. Water in the oil tank, faulty ignition componet, old fuel, wrong spark plugs, overheating or dirty carbs are only some of the things to look at.<br /><br />If the block is boreable and the crank is still good, I would at least look into fixing that one. If your shop is not comfortable rebuilding it, they can send it out to one of several rebuilders. They will know who has the good and bad reputations.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[DJ]

Re: What does "blown engine" mean

First Boat,<br /><br />DHadley gives VERY GOOD advice regarding this. He is absolutely correct-something ancellary caused the failure.<br /><br />There are different degrees of "blown". That word is used to describe just about any type of internal engine failure.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: What does "blown engine" mean

We were out in a wellcraft Nova one day and just chilling along at about 4000 RPM on two V6 'rudes. I picked up a vibration in the floor and stopped. The owner didn't realize anything was wrong. Sure enough, a rod was sticking out the side of one engine. OK. I guess we're done boating for the day. I fire up the good motor and start heading in. When I fired up the "blown" motor the owner had a fit! He kept saying "dont run it hard!". OK, why not? Shortly I had her back up on plane. Along comes a guy who wants to race. We did manage to get him by a couple of MPH but what do you think he would have said if he knew what we had?<br /><br />Yes, a "blown" motor may run. Sometimes not to bad at all.

 

[Sea Mitch]

Re: What does "blown engine" mean

Thanks Dhadley! Point well taken! Thanks for everything. The first thing I'm gonna ask that mechanic is if he knows cause of the dead cylinder. I don't think he does because he was asking me if I heard any noise, beeping or saw any lights. I didn't.

 

[ODDD1]

Re: What does "blown engine" mean

Atta boy, dhadley...once they 'pop', you might as well make it to the dock....LOL...

 

[Sea Mitch]

Re: What does "blown engine" mean

The charge is $6,700 complete. Includes pulling the boat, labor, remanufactured head etc. The said they don't know what caused it yet, but they will when they start the work and get into it. They give me a 90 day warranty. They said rebuilding the existing head could be risky as one of the other cylinders could go next or when they get inside, the cylinder could be in such bad shape it can't me machined. I'd still be out the labor.<br />Again, thanks for the advise. I almost bought a new engine for 3 times that.

 

[DJ]

Re: What does "blown engine" mean

First Boat,<br /><br />Check out the engines fgor sale on this page (iboats) there are some engines in your horsepower range for less than the price being asked by your repair facility and some have a better warranty. And you're getting the WHOLE engine.