ran boat without replacing plugs in block

[IMPpawnee]

Hello all... Bought our first boat- my Uncles 1978 IMP Pawnee. It is in excellent condition. We got the boat ready for the water (it had been out of the water for 3 years.) It started beautifully, but then water came in by the motor. We pumped it out (there was alot). Apparently we did not know about the plugs on the side of the block that were taken out for winterizing. The boat did not overheat per the temp gauge, and we do not believe it cracked the head. But the boat wont restart. What should we do next? Thanks for your time, and I know we should of taken it to the experts to get it ready.. but its just the way we are... live and learn kind of people.

 

[meesh]

Re: ran boat without replacing plugs in block

Check spark, check fuel delivery, check compression.

 

[IMPpawnee]

Re: ran boat without replacing plugs in block

first, thanks for the reply. Im pretty sure spark and fuel are fine. Dont think we have checked the compression- but will get back. Thanks again.

 

[Don S]

Re: ran boat without replacing plugs in block

Im pretty sure spark and fuel are fine.

Check it, don't just "Think" that it's fine.

After 3 years, it may just need a tuneup. Next time you start and engine, open the engine cover and LOOK it over to make sure everything is ok.
Go up to the Adults Only sticky at the top of the page and have a look at the manuals and other info. Especially item #1. Then we might be able to give you some better advise

 

[IMPpawnee]

Re: ran boat without replacing plugs in block

When I said THINK- the spark and fuel are fine, I meant that my husband checked that. Sorry

 

[gadget73]

Re: ran boat without replacing plugs in block

Check to make sure the plug wires are dry. Not sure what engine you have, but on a lot of v8 engines, the plug wires are routed in such a way that they can get wet if the block drains are not installed. Wet wires will arc to ground instead of through the spark plugs. Also, if thats whats going on, its an indication you need new wires. Good wires won't do that.

 

[sobitthen]

Re: ran boat without replacing plugs in block

Go up to the Adults Only sticky at the top of the page and have a look at the manuals and other info. Especially item #1. Then we might be able to give you some better advise

Whate are you referring to as this Adult only section, I see nothing with that heading on the current forum page with this post...

 

[drrm123]

Re: ran boat without replacing plugs in block

Whate are you referring to as this Adult only section, I see nothing with that heading on the current forum page with this post...

it's the first post in the forum, but here's a link http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=288430

 

[IMPpawnee]

Re: ran boat without replacing plugs in block

followed the trouble shooting in the "sticky" section. We are replacing the slave solenoid. We also found a bad fuse and are looking for the red reset button but cant find it. Its a 1978 OMC 8cylinder 235 hp motor

 

[Don S]

Re: ran boat without replacing plugs in block

You don't have a red reset button on old OMC's, only fuses.

 

[IMPpawnee]

Re: ran boat without replacing plugs in block

thank you very much for your time. your troubleshooting pages are a God send as well. have a great day.

 

[rs2k]

Re: ran boat without replacing plugs in block

You need three things to star a motor. Fuel, Air, Spark. One of these items is either missing or not correct. Spark or fuel are the most likely culprit. Check that the carb is getting fuel and that the spark plugs are sparking.

Congratulations on getting the IMP Pawnee. That's one heck of a well built, solid, and stable tri-hull.... not to mention it's BIG! I have an IMP Pawnee and an IMP Kansa. That company really knew there stuff when it came to putting boats together.

 

[lowkee]

Re: ran boat without replacing plugs in block

You need three things to star a motor. Fuel, Air, Spark.

It's fuel, compression and spark. Air is part of the fuel.

 

[rs2k]

Re: ran boat without replacing plugs in block

It's fuel, compression and spark. Air is part of the fuel.

I guess you're right, I always thought of air as part of the compression.

 

[IMPpawnee]

Re: ran boat without replacing plugs in block

We bought the slave solenoid and went to replace it, my husband finds that the block is cracked. He is a welder and I cant talk him into trying to weld it. I have seen many post that even say JB weld has worked. Doesnt seem like there is anything to lose..Would appreciate any replies from people who have tried it.. negative or positive.. On the other hand my son has a 1976 Chevy Scottsdale with a 350 -with only 15,000 miles on it, he wants to know if we can use it in the boat? Thanks for your help.. we were so excited about our boat, and I am just searching for any affordable fixes.

 

[rs2k]

Re: ran boat without replacing plugs in block

I don't think it's a good idea to weld an engine block when it's all together. That puts a lot of extra stress on it and everything inside. You don't have much to loose by trying JB Weld. I've read a lot of success stories. If I were you I'd JB Weld it and see if I liked the boat. If I did like the boat I'd go ahead and stick that 350 in it with new heads and a marine cam (assuming the pistons are not dished). That '76 350 engine only puts out around 160 HP or so. The IMP Pawnee can really use the extra power. The out drive can handle up to 260 HP (300 HP with the new better cut gears).

 

[IMPpawnee]

Re: ran boat without replacing plugs in block

does the fact that there is no water in our oil.. mean that its just an external crack on the block? Hope thats not too dumb of a question.

 

[rs2k]

Re: ran boat without replacing plugs in block

The first place they usually crack is outside under the exhaust manifolds. The next place is usually inside the lifter valley, the third place is usually internally. The first two types of cracks are repairable, the third is not. Replacing the block is the best fix, metal stitching is the next best method, welding the next after that and jb welding the last way you'd want to fix it. I'd imagine it will most likely hold for at least a season, just clean the are REALLY good, apply the JB weld, test run the engine and check for leaks, or better yet, pressure test the block.


I wouldn't take a jb welding block out into the middle of the ocean, but I think you'll be fine in a lake or river. Just realize the jb weld could possibly give out at any time. Do some research on jb welding cracked blocks. Some people go for many years after the fix.

 

[IMPpawnee]

Re: ran boat without replacing plugs in block

My husband is a very good tig welder. What type of filler wire do you use and do you need to preheat or would that make it crack worse?

 

[DayCruiser]

Re: ran boat without replacing plugs in block

The welder took the top part of the engine off mine first. He was a good cast iron welder. Then they put some kind of tack proof sealer over that. Mine was a long crack under the manifold. 3 years later with no leaks to speak of