1985 omc steam exiting from prop hub?

krboater

Cadet
Joined
Jun 12, 2007
Messages
6
I have a 1985 omc 350CI 260hp that when run out of the water with the water muffs on I get steam exiting from the prop hub. No water just exhaust and steam. I do get water and exhaust from the usual discharge point between the outdive and the transon mounting braket but I do not think that I should have steam from the prop hub just exhaust. The compression is all over the board from 145 to 110 to 90 to one dead cylinder at 5. Head gasket?
 

KaGee

Admiral
Joined
Aug 14, 2004
Messages
7,069
Re: 1985 omc steam exiting from prop hub?

1) Steam/water out of the hub is normal

2) Your compression readings should be within 10% of each other. It would be nice to know the compression on each cylinder. If your readings are correct, your problems may be worse than a gasket.
 

krboater

Cadet
Joined
Jun 12, 2007
Messages
6
Re: 1985 omc steam exiting from prop hub?

Ok now I know that the steam is normal. The compression is #1 145, #2 90, #3 110, #4 130, #5 130, #6 100, #7 150, #8 5. What does that tell us.
 

KaGee

Admiral
Joined
Aug 14, 2004
Messages
7,069
Re: 1985 omc steam exiting from prop hub?

What led up to your problems?

The readings definetly point to a problem on the port bank.
Have you pulled the valve cover to inspect?
 

krboater

Cadet
Joined
Jun 12, 2007
Messages
6
Re: 1985 omc steam exiting from prop hub?

Well long story short. A few years ago the engine overheated and got water in the oil due to pluged exhaust manifolds. I replaced those, changed the oil several times and nursed her back to life. Now the oil stays clean, the plugs look great but the engine is hard to start when warm and quits when ideling. Also backfires when exceleratiing. Although when I do get an plane the engine sounds great and pushes the boat along just fine. I did take the valve covers off and everything there looks good.
 

fourwinnsdook

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Jun 12, 2007
Messages
176
Re: 1985 omc steam exiting from prop hub?

Doesn't sound like ther's much of an easy fix for that, i'de take the heads off, change the gasket, maybe put some new rings in it. if not you can try some sort of engine sealer (maybe a little marvel mystery oil) in the bad cylinder.Try to loosen or seal those rings back up. Sounds like it's about time for a whole rebuild.
 

Manipulator

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 11, 2005
Messages
743
Re: 1985 omc steam exiting from prop hub?

Probably just needs a valve job. Yank the heads bring to machine shop, reinstall. Rings are probably fine, take a look at the cylinders once you yank the heads, see what shape they're in.
 

Manipulator

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 11, 2005
Messages
743
Re: 1985 omc steam exiting from prop hub?

Probably just needs a valve job. Yank the heads bring to machine shop, reinstall. Rings are probably fine, take a look at the cylinders once you yank the heads, see what shape they're in.
 

krboater

Cadet
Joined
Jun 12, 2007
Messages
6
Re: 1985 omc steam exiting from prop hub?

ok, taking the boat to engine shop to pull the heads. I will keep you all posted as to what the results are.

Thank you again for all of your help!
 

Coors

Captain
Joined
Dec 8, 2006
Messages
3,367
Re: 1985 omc steam exiting from prop hub?

but the engine is hard to start when warm and quits when ideling.
Carb? along with other problem?
 
Top