Why You Winterize Your Boat!!

[1974merc]

I inherited this 1974 Mercruiser, 140 HP I/O from my grandpa. It had been sitting for a couple years. Got it tuned and ready, threw the muffs on it and started right up, but it was leaking water from under the manifold. Got it pulled apart thinking it was just a bad gasket, this is what I found...

So.... JB Weld time. I definitely don't have the money to buy a new block. If I were to do that I would just save up a little more and buy a newer boat. So since the cracks are only on the outside of the water jackets, JB Weld should be just fine. I've actually had pretty good success with JB Weld. So we'll see what happens.

I will surely be properly winterizing my boat every year!!!

 

[system-f]

Re: Why You Winterize Your Boat!!

I did the same repair on my 165, but it wasn't leaking. Over the years rust had started to seal up the crack. Also, the water drain on the block was seized so I know they weren't winterizing it

 

[TowRoper]

Re: Why You Winterize Your Boat!!

hi guys, i hear allot of people saying they are going to JB weld the cracks but no one ever comes back to say how it worked! (i haven't found replies anyways) so be sure to let us know OK I'm curious if it really does work so if i ever end up with a crack i know what will and wont work
thanks oh and good luck with your fix hope ya get on the water soon!

 

[TowRoper]

Re: Why You Winterize Your Boat!!

well at least it sounds like it would help you finish out a season so thats not all bad and there is so much to keep an eye on with boats whats one more thing right lol
to bad about that boat deal too sounds like a bummer!

 

[1974merc]

Re: Why You Winterize Your Boat!!

Boat has been in the family for almost 30 years. So I plan on keeping it that way. I've had great success with JB Weld. My wife had a Nissan Sentra that was eating oil like crazy. Pulled the head and noticed one of the piston rings had came apart and put a huge gouge down the cylinder wall. Mixed up some JB Weld, smoothed it out, ran a hone down it, put it back together and the car ran for another 40,000 miles until we sold it. Never had another problem.

Like i've seen in other threads, it's all about the preparation. Getting it down to bare metal, using solvent to clean off any grease and debris. I used a small drill bit and ran it along the cracks to loosen anything up that was in there. Plus I drilled little holes on either end of the crack on the manifold to stop the crack from getting any worse. After work, I'm going to sand it down a little and spread on another layer. I will definitely let everyone know the outcome after I get it on the lake.

 

[ozzgood2001]

Re: Why You Winterize Your Boat!!

Boat has been in the family for almost 30 years. So I plan on keeping it that way. I've had great success with JB Weld. My wife had a Nissan Sentra that was eating oil like crazy. Pulled the head and noticed one of the piston rings had came apart and put a huge gouge down the cylinder wall. Mixed up some JB Weld, smoothed it out, ran a hone down it, put it back together and the car ran for another 40,000 miles until we sold it. Never had another problem.

Like i've seen in other threads, it's all about the preparation. Getting it down to bare metal, using solvent to clean off any grease and debris. I used a small drill bit and ran it along the cracks to loosen anything up that was in there. Plus I drilled little holes on either end of the crack on the manifold to stop the crack from getting any worse. After work, I'm going to sand it down a little and spread on another layer. I will definitely let everyone know the outcome after I get it on the lake.

sounds like your using the product correctly those that have bad times with it usually dont prepare the surface correctly. i would use a dremel with a small pointy carbide tip and "V" out the crack as well the more surface area you have the better adhesion you will get. we arent dealing with high pressures so i see why so many people do it and have it work. the manifold i might think about taking and having TIG weled that would be more permanent for ya and one less thing to worry about. i looks aluminum from the pic. but i guess if its is cast iron you could have it brazed as well since its removable thats why id take it some where for a perm. solution just my opinion.

 

[1974merc]

Re: Why You Winterize Your Boat!!

This is after the first layer.

Put another layer on. Not sure if i'll do a third, I guess we'll see how it cures.

 

[1974merc]

Re: Why You Winterize Your Boat!!

I think the multiple layers is for my own mental stability.

 

[werthert]

Re: Why You Winterize Your Boat!!

How does drilling holes stop the crack? You mean so it has an endpoint and can't spread further? Or if on either side, how does that work?

 

[1974merc]

Re: Why You Winterize Your Boat!!

Yes, an endpoint on both sides of the crack. Stops the spreading.

 

[1974merc]

Re: Why You Winterize Your Boat!!

I don't have any pics of the finished product, as I was in a hurry to get it back together and running, but the JB Weld is working great!! Went camping with the wife and kids and some friends these past four days and had it out everyday. Ran great, no leaking. I blew a hydraulic line to the trim on the last day, but other than that it ran great. Another JB Weld success story.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Why You Winterize Your Boat!!

Another JB Weld success story.

Ayuh,... Best of Luck to ya with it,...

I foresee Headgasket problems in Your Future.....
Due to Where the block split....

 

[TowRoper]

Re: Why You Winterize Your Boat!!

good deal have a blast glad to see its working!!

 

[scipper77]

Re: Why You Winterize Your Boat!!

I purchased my boat with a JB weld repair and it has held strong for 4 seasons so far and the previous owner had the boat for 4 seasons before me with the JB. I don't know if my results are typical but there are people out there that are happy with a jb welded crack.

 

[gshldon]

Re: Why You Winterize Your Boat!!

Glad to hear that it stopped the leak from coming into the boat, But how does the oil look, i would be more interested to see if you have an internal leak that will cause you more problems soon.

Good Luck and Happy Boating

 

[skargo]

Re: Why You Winterize Your Boat!!

I fixed a transfer case out on the trail on an older truck I had, just to get me home. I never fixed it right and wheeled it for 3 more years! JB rocks!

 

[1974merc]

Re: Why You Winterize Your Boat!!

Glad to hear that it stopped the leak from coming into the boat, But how does the oil look, i would be more interested to see if you have an internal leak that will cause you more problems soon.

Good Luck and Happy Boating

I changed the oil when I first took posession of the boat, and also changed the oil again after I got back from running it for four days. No water in the oil. Runs great. I've gone over the entire motor and cannot see any signs of water leaking from anywhere else.

 

[gshldon]

Re: Why You Winterize Your Boat!!

That is good consider yourself very lucky and keep an eye on that oil to make sure no water is getting into the oil..

I like using JB weld myself with very good success.

Good Luck and happy Boating