Water In Engine After Storage

Joined
May 27, 2008
Messages
1
I have a 1986 Mercuriser Model MCM 140, Serial Number A524709. Each of the last two years after winterizing this engine, I find water in the engine. Last year I did not drain the cooling system- I ran the RV antifreeze through it. When I went to turn the engine over last Spring, an oil/water mixture sprayed out through the PCV valve in the valve cover. I drained 2 1/2 gallons of oil/water when I changed the oil. This past year I winterized by draining and keeping open the block and exhaust manifold drains. When I turned the engine over last week, an oil/water mixture sprayed out of the hole where the starter engages the flywheel. I drained about 2 1/2 gallons of oil/water when I changed the oil. I check the oil almost evey time I run the engine and have never found water in the oil or an increase of fluid in the oil pan. Where is all this water coming from and how is it getting in the engine? Is it condensation, vandalism, or what?
 

BAYLINER185

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 30, 2007
Messages
474
Re: Water In Engine After Storage

You menation vandalism. I would almost ask why?

Is the boat stored outside? If so it might be possibel that your cover is not keeping out all the rain and snow if your in snow country and maby water is getting in the engine through the carb. You do have an engine cover on right and a spark arrestor on top of the carb?

Just a thought unless someone is pouring water in the motor.
Also there will be possible some condenssation. Just how much is hard to say and its possible that some of this water is from that but to e it sure seems like an awefull lot.
 

180shabah

Rear Admiral
Joined
Mar 26, 2005
Messages
4,995
Re: Water In Engine After Storage

More than a gallon of water????? If you have eliminated freeze damage(which would reintroduce water every time the engine ran) then that leaves vandalism and environment. Both mentioned above. It is not condensation, not at that amount.
 

Muqwump

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jun 5, 2008
Messages
79
Re: Water In Engine After Storage

Have you tried to flush out the engine and change the filter, then check it again? If it does it again, then i would say look at your exaughst manifold.
 

Don S

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Aug 31, 2004
Messages
62,321
Re: Water In Engine After Storage

RUNNING antifreeze into a raw water cooled engine has about a 25% chance of actually working. Most of the time the manifolds are protected, but the AF never gets to the block.
Had you drained the block and manifold first, then run antifreeze into it, It would work, but not so much if water is still in the engine.
We see this kind of thing here every spring.
 

ottawamerc

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 16, 2004
Messages
128
Re: Water In Engine After Storage

Although it is well into the season I just summerized my 228 Merc 1985 vintage, and again I found alot of fresh water in my oil pan? Each year I completely drain all the water out of the system and leave all the plugs and hoses off too. There is a engine cover on it etc, and I also put a tarp over it well sloped to shed all snow and water. Why would I find all this water??? I drain the mess out of the pan and fill it with fresh oil and it works fine all summer long! I can only figure that it could be condinsation but 4 liters??
 

RJLeuwen

Seaman
Joined
Jun 19, 2008
Messages
69
Re: Water In Engine After Storage

I have a 1986 Mercuriser Model MCM 140, Serial Number A524709. Each of the last two years after winterizing this engine, I find water in the engine. Last year I did not drain the cooling system- I ran the RV antifreeze through it. When I went to turn the engine over last Spring, an oil/water mixture sprayed out through the PCV valve in the valve cover. I drained 2 1/2 gallons of oil/water when I changed the oil. This past year I winterized by draining and keeping open the block and exhaust manifold drains. When I turned the engine over last week, an oil/water mixture sprayed out of the hole where the starter engages the flywheel. I drained about 2 1/2 gallons of oil/water when I changed the oil. I check the oil almost evey time I run the engine and have never found water in the oil or an increase of fluid in the oil pan. Where is all this water coming from and how is it getting in the engine? Is it condensation, vandalism, or what?

Sounds to me like your bilge is filling up with water and it is runnig into the oil pan via the rear main seal. Your engine has a 2 peice rear main seal which will allow water to enter the oil pan.

RJ
 

ottawamerc

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 16, 2004
Messages
128
Re: Water In Engine After Storage

Well now that does make sense!
Thanks for the reply.
 
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