Problematic

[boatinbabe]

Greetings, fellow boaters!

I have a question regarding our 1982 Sea Ray V260. Last fall we took it in and had it winterized. De-winterized it this early summer and took it out in late June. The boat did wonderful. Purred like a kitten. Brought it home, covered, turned everything off, etc. Went to go out July 4th weekend and it wouldn't start. Acted like it wasn't getting gas or spark. Took it in to the marina, they changed all the plugs and they said that somehow the spark plugs rusted (????) Also, the batteries (all three of them) were completely drained. We got it fixed and went out a couple days ago, the darn thing broke down AGAIN while we were on the lake. Had to get towed. :smt009 The marina said we burnt up the impeller. Any suggestions as to the spark plug situation being rusty?? To me that says "water". Anyone else had this happen?

 

[PowerhouseS3]

Had a similar problem. Some days she would run well other times I could not get her started. Did the same thing where I replaced all ignition components. I then suspected water in the fuel and replaced filters. Did this several times, situation never got better. However, every time I pulled the fuel filter it was empty. I then realized that the main fuel line was sucking air. Replaced the line and everything has been good ever since.

 

[JVM225]

Check your manifolds and risers.

 

[Dave S]

The impeller could go out anytime but the motor would likely overheat if that happens. The impeller needs to be changed every couple of years (maximum). Do you have an on-board charger for your batteries? If not make sure all your DC switches are turned off so they are not draining the batteries. I don't know what to say about the spark plugs but as mentioned previously maybe you need to pull the risers and elbows to check their condition and the condition of the manifolds. If those go bad it allows water to get into the cylinders.

Dave

 

[boatinbabe]

Hey Guys! Thanks for the information and helpful hints. We'll check the manifolds/risers. We're still a little baffled though When we ent out on the boat it had just come out of storage (and yes it was winterized by a marina). Spent the weekend on the water overnight and the boat ran super. Did a little cruising before loading it back up, stopped for one more swim, went to start the motor and it acted like the batteries were dead. Had to be towed and loaded it on the trailer by hand because the motor wouldn't turn over. When we got home, we checked the batteries and they were showing full charge but the motor would barely turn over. Pulled the spark plug off and water came pouring out of the cylinder. Took another off, same thing. continued to remove all spark plugs...two more cylinders were full of water, the other four had signs of water in them. Oh, by the way, the engine compartment was completely dry....no sign of water. Is this really really bad? Cause this sounds really bad....

Do you still suggest checking the manifolds/risers? We'll be sure to check those anyway. The impeller's pretty much an easy fix but you don't suppose it could have improperly been winterized do you? Maybe cracked a block? Please say "no." :smt089

Thanks again! You're all very helpful!

 

[Matt89GT]

pull the manifolds and risers together and take them and have them pressure tested sounds like they are leaking and would be the source of the water in the cylinders. Also be sure to not let the water sit in the cylinders get all the water out and spray some oil of your choice into the cylinders before rust sits in, use WD-40 or PB Blaster or marvel and rotate the engine and coat again, do not let the water sit for very long

 

[CAGE RATTLER]

pull the manifolds and risers together and take them and have them pressure tested sounds like they are leaking and would be the source of the water in the cylinders. Also be sure to not let the water sit in the cylinders get all the water out and spray some oil of your choice into the cylinders before rust sits in, use WD-40 or PB Blaster or marvel and rotate the engine and coat again, do not let the water sit for very long

Ditto that and do it quickly!!!!

The engine wouldnt turn over because it was hydrolocked (water in the cylinders).

The rings will rust to the cylinder walls pretty quickly and ruin the engine. Crank the engine with all the plugs out to blow out the water and get some oil or something in there and crank it again to coat the cylinder walls and rings.

I would also check for water in the oil and would change it even if your not sure. Water will settle to the bottom making it hard to tell if theres any in there. If your oil level is unusually high, theres water in there.

If you dont feel comfortable doing this yourself its well worth paying a mechanic to do this quickly before it rusts up to bad. Then you'll be looking for a new motor.

I just went through this and unfortunately i had water in all 8 cylinders and it sat for to long and my motor is locked up solid. long story short ........... $13,000 for a new engine this season!!