Disclaimer: Let me say "I did winterize by the book". No step in my owners' manual mentioned intake manifold plug removal (behind alternator tensioner) during winter preparation.
Situation: Boat stayed at the marina in a lift slip this winter. Sunday before last was beautiful here in East TN, so we decided to go for a cruise. Upon arrival at the boat, removed covers and checked the oil. Oil (normal color) was a bit high on the dipstick, but I figured it was just the attitude of how the boat had been sitting on the lift. In retrospect, I should have wiped the dipstick again and rechecked level. Anyway, she cranked up fine. Idled until warm, then "no-waked" out to main channel. Hit the throttle and it ran great for 10 seconds or so, then sputtered and died. Popped the hood and saw the "milkshake" on top of the intake manifold. Brought the boat home, and during disassembly, discovered a 4" freeze crack in the intake manifold. After vacuuming out the lifter valley and wiping it down, I did a thorough inspection for block cracks (around lifter housings) and elsewhere. The oil/water mix was in the cylinders as well. Compression test prior to disassembly revealed extremely high readings due to the liquid in the cylinders. Ordered a new factory intake from MichiganMotorz.com today ($189.00 + $20.00 for gasket set). Waiting on all parts so I can reassemble and take it to the lake. Lessons Learned: 1) Read these forums throughout the year. I've learned more in the past weeks about specific problems than I ever knew before. 2) Follow manual when winterizing, but also, think out of the box, "could water be in there", if the answer is yes, read some more and figure out what needs done so you don't end up with something cracked. 3) Service Bulletins- SEEK THEM OUT!! Anyway, I've enjoyed reading posts from very knowledgeable folks, and people with similar stories. This forum is a powerful tool! Thanks!
Situation: Boat stayed at the marina in a lift slip this winter. Sunday before last was beautiful here in East TN, so we decided to go for a cruise. Upon arrival at the boat, removed covers and checked the oil. Oil (normal color) was a bit high on the dipstick, but I figured it was just the attitude of how the boat had been sitting on the lift. In retrospect, I should have wiped the dipstick again and rechecked level. Anyway, she cranked up fine. Idled until warm, then "no-waked" out to main channel. Hit the throttle and it ran great for 10 seconds or so, then sputtered and died. Popped the hood and saw the "milkshake" on top of the intake manifold. Brought the boat home, and during disassembly, discovered a 4" freeze crack in the intake manifold. After vacuuming out the lifter valley and wiping it down, I did a thorough inspection for block cracks (around lifter housings) and elsewhere. The oil/water mix was in the cylinders as well. Compression test prior to disassembly revealed extremely high readings due to the liquid in the cylinders. Ordered a new factory intake from MichiganMotorz.com today ($189.00 + $20.00 for gasket set). Waiting on all parts so I can reassemble and take it to the lake. Lessons Learned: 1) Read these forums throughout the year. I've learned more in the past weeks about specific problems than I ever knew before. 2) Follow manual when winterizing, but also, think out of the box, "could water be in there", if the answer is yes, read some more and figure out what needs done so you don't end up with something cracked. 3) Service Bulletins- SEEK THEM OUT!! Anyway, I've enjoyed reading posts from very knowledgeable folks, and people with similar stories. This forum is a powerful tool! Thanks!
