Water in oil, mechanic in Rhode Island needed

jackson2088

New Member
Jun 26, 2012
18
Oak Harbor
Boat Info
2001 Sea Ray
215 Express Cruiser
Engines
5.0 Mercruiser EFI w/ Alpha One Drive
When winterizing my 2001 215 EC yesterday to oil had a good amount of water in it. I hadn't used the boat in about a month and usually check the fluid before I go out and last trip the oil wasn't this color last trip. Not sure if it related but last trip out the boat could get on plain and felt like the prop hub was spun. RPMs sounded normal (tach can be unreliable bouncing around). I figured I spun the prop hub and would fix in the spring. We were fishing 1/4 of a mile from ramp so we shut down and then crept home at 3 knots. Now I'm think the lack of power was something other than prop. Mad I didn't investigate more at the time. I changed oil, fogged EFI and flushed with anti-freeze however I want to get the problem fixed own so any water that is still in there isn't causing more corrosion. Should I be worried or can it wait until spring? If I should fix now anyone know a good mechanic in RI, SE Mass area?
 
Unless you're running an aftermarket prop, it's VERY doubtful (unfortunately) that it's the prop hub as there really is no typical "hub". But, it could be the engine/drive coupler as that would exhibit the same symptoms. Remember how I said "unfortunately"? That's because the engine needs to be pulled to replace the coupler. Your boat has good engine access so it's not quite as bad as it sounds, but it's still not cheap. However, taking a look at the prop is certainly easy enough to do and won't cost you but a few minutes of your time.

Based on how you are describing the situation, I doubt the water in the oil was causing your problem. When was the last time that the manifolds were changed?

FYI, your tach issue (bouncing) has a good chance of being fixed by simply exercising the little switch that's on the backside a few times. Be sure to leave it on the "8".
 
Thanks Pete I will keep CL in mind.

Thanks Dennis I will check prop (boat not stored at home), it is after market. Boat came with SS 19P, PO installed a 21P aluminum. Not sure about the manifolds. Boat has 338 hours about 30 of them from me, just bought it this season. My big concern is corrosion from water during the winter. If I wait until spring I have someone who can fix it for free minus parts to include pulling the engine if necessary however if I am going to cause a lot more damage by waiting until spring I am willing to spend the money now.
 

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