drtmnky
New Member
1979 sundancer 260 OMC 5.7 (Chevrolet)
Our boat is been been parked in our driveway most of the year. In the 8 years we have owned it we have never moored it even for a few days. I finally made time in the last month to look her over with hopes of taking her out at least once this season.
I changed the engine oil and filter and topped od fluids. I found it odd that the coolant surge tank was empty (freshwater cooling) but dismissed it as the boat hasn't been tended do for many months. What was really disconcerting was the water that came out first when I drained the engine oil. The oil came out normal used color so I hoped it wasn't a bad sign.
It was a bad sign.
With water connected to the out drive I tried to start the engine. Less than half a revolution then nothing. I tried starting several times, nothing happened at all. Knowing what the problem was I started pulling spark plugs. Starboard side front 3 were clean. Number 4 poured out water when i removed it. Port side all 4 cylinders are dry.
I have one cylinder full of coolant.
My question is how did it get there? I suspect a bad head gasket. How does that happen when we last ran it last year she ran perfectly. No over heating ever.
I plan to pull the both heads with the engine in the boat to see how bad it is. Hopefully the block is in good condition. I wont attempt compression tests until I see that the cylinders are in good condition. I haven't been inside an engine for years but am confident I can take it apart and find reliable shops to do the necessary repair work.
Does anyone have any other comments or help to offer?
Our boat is been been parked in our driveway most of the year. In the 8 years we have owned it we have never moored it even for a few days. I finally made time in the last month to look her over with hopes of taking her out at least once this season.
I changed the engine oil and filter and topped od fluids. I found it odd that the coolant surge tank was empty (freshwater cooling) but dismissed it as the boat hasn't been tended do for many months. What was really disconcerting was the water that came out first when I drained the engine oil. The oil came out normal used color so I hoped it wasn't a bad sign.
It was a bad sign.
With water connected to the out drive I tried to start the engine. Less than half a revolution then nothing. I tried starting several times, nothing happened at all. Knowing what the problem was I started pulling spark plugs. Starboard side front 3 were clean. Number 4 poured out water when i removed it. Port side all 4 cylinders are dry.
I have one cylinder full of coolant.
My question is how did it get there? I suspect a bad head gasket. How does that happen when we last ran it last year she ran perfectly. No over heating ever.
I plan to pull the both heads with the engine in the boat to see how bad it is. Hopefully the block is in good condition. I wont attempt compression tests until I see that the cylinders are in good condition. I haven't been inside an engine for years but am confident I can take it apart and find reliable shops to do the necessary repair work.
Does anyone have any other comments or help to offer?
