3.0 mercruiser

[Cldwell]

I have a 2001 mercruiser 3.0 liter and for the first time I did not winterize the boat my self had it " professionaly done" got the boat uncovered yesterday and hooked water up to it and it started right up with no problems. Let it run about 20 min and temp got up to about 170 then noticed behind alternator a few drips of water. I killed it and checked oil no water in oil but there is a small crack on the block toward the front of the block same height as the drain plugs. Started motor back up an ran another 20 min and the amount of water that leaked out was less than 1/4 cup. Shop that winterized say nothing they will do about it I must have ran the boat after winterized which didn't happen. If any what is the best way to fix anyone had success with jb weld on a block? Or maybe some epoxy? Any help would be appreciated thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: 3.0 mercruiser

I have a 2001 mercruiser 3.0 liter and for the first time I did not winterize the boat my self had it " professionaly done" got the boat uncovered yesterday and hooked water up to it and it started right up with no problems. Let it run about 20 min and temp got up to about 170 then noticed behind alternator a few drips of water. I killed it and checked oil no water in oil but there is a small crack on the block toward the front of the block same height as the drain plugs. Started motor back up an ran another 20 min and the amount of water that leaked out was less than 1/4 cup. Shop that winterized say nothing they will do about it I must have ran the boat after winterized which didn't happen. If any what is the best way to fix anyone had success with jb weld on a block? Or maybe some epoxy? Any help would be appreciated thanks

Ayuh,... Welcome Aboard,... Scratch it up good with sandpaper, 'n epoxy it up with whichever epoxy ya want to use,...

So long as it ain't gettin' into the Oil,... Yer Good to go,...

 

[pevaguy]

Re: 3.0 mercruiser

One possible way that MIGHT work, remember I said MIGHT work is: If it is a single small crack in a non-stress area only the outside and not into the oil is to drill a hole at each end of the crack and tap tapered pipe threads about 1/8". Screw appropriate pipe plug coated with red loctite into each hole, then grind the plug down flush with the block. Repeat those steps in the crack overlaping each plug til you have the crack stitched up. This is an inexpensive repair as far as materials just takes time and work. Good luck and keep your fingers crossed.

If you would like to you can try Bondos method, less time and effort. If it dosen't work you could always try my method and use epoxy on top of it if you like.

 

[Cldwell]

Re: 3.0 mercruiser

Thanks guys a new boat is in the plan for next year but really need to get one more Sumer out of this one.

 

[tazrig]

Re: 3.0 mercruiser

I wouldn't go back to the yard that winterized it for sure!!

 

[tpenfield]

Re: 3.0 mercruiser

Possibly you could have some re-course with the shop, but . . . This may not be the first time they have botched a winterization, so they probably have a way to wiggle out of any liability.

 

[Maclin]

Re: 3.0 mercruiser

This winter has tested many shop's and owner's methods used for protecting engines from freeze damage. Some have found that they have just been lucky in past seasons

That shop definitely needs to look at their procedures and verify each mechanic's ability to follow good procedure.

 

[Maclin]

Re: 3.0 mercruiser

"Some have found ..." or WILL find out later this season.

 

[Cldwell]

Re: 3.0 mercruiser

No help from shop they say they did everything right. They said I must have ran the boat after they winterized it and it's my fault.well I guess it was my fault for taking it somewhere to have it done, I always do my own mechanic work firm believer if you want it done right then do it your self. It is what it is lesson learned just hope it don't keep me of the water this summer.

 

[Starcraft5834]

Re: 3.0 mercruiser

"air dont freeze".......just drain it yourself next time...........

 

[Fastatv]

Re: 3.0 mercruiser

Cld, I wouldn't worry about is as long as there is no water in the oil......just as Bondo and others have said. I have a 3.0 with a cracked block, about the same area as you described, and it was cracked when I purchased the boat, and JB welded. It never leaked, but I scratched it up well with 24 grit, let it dry for a few days ( of course I drained all the water prior to the repair ), then applied the "Quik" JB weld, just because I wanted it to look a little better, and I would feel better about it. It's holding up fine.