5.0 Multiple Issues

[TheBlizzard]

Ok so the boat in question is a 1989 Celebrity 20' Cuddy with a 5.0 Merc/Alpha 1.

First problem is that I think I have a small oil leak somewhere, I replaced the main bearing last year thinking that was the problem but it is still leaking a little bit. Basically I can use the boat for 6 hours before it loses even a half quart. I think it may be one of the valve covers but I am not sure. I already checked the oil pressure sending unit and it was perfect.

Second problem happened this last weekend. I had the boat out for a little cruise, came back in and went to raise the drive and it wouldn't go up. It didn't even make a noise trying to go up, it would buzz when I lowered it, but it was alll the way down so it wasn't moving. It was late so I said screw it and would look at it the next day. When I went to put it on the trailer and drove the boat it forwarded just for a second it started to work normally again. What the heck? Just a fluke? Or did the drive get stuck?

Third thing is this: I went to start the boat in the water at the dock last weekend and it wouldn't start, it wouldn't do anything for that matter. I had good power from the battery but nothing in the boat had power. I tried to reset the 50amp break on the top of the motor and that did nothing. I went to get my trailer to take it out of the water and when I went back in the boat it started right up? Another fluke thing I cannot put a finger on? Is it that main relay going bad? Starter solenoid?

I am stumped, any help would be appreciated.

 

[achris]

Re: 5.0 Multiple Issues

Start with cleaning and making sure all your battery posts and terminals (both positive and negative) are nice and tight, then check the battery cable connections to the engine block (negative) and the main post on the starter (positive)... Same thing, clean and tight....

Chris........

 

[TheBlizzard]

Re: 5.0 Multiple Issues

Thanks for the imput, however all the cables are brand new, right down to the ones to the starter, also a brand new battery. Thus why I have no clue where to go from here.

 

[series60]

Re: 5.0 Multiple Issues

Second problem happened this last weekend. I had the boat out for a little cruise, came back in and went to raise the drive and it wouldn't go up. It didn't even make a noise trying to go up, it would buzz when I lowered it, but it was alll the way down so it wasn't moving. It was late so I said screw it and would look at it the next day. When I went to put it on the trailer and drove the boat it forwarded just for a second it started to work normally again. What the heck? Just a fluke? Or did the drive get stuck?

Many times the up/down relays next to the tilt/trim hydraulic pump will become corroded. You can remove the relays and open them up and clean the internal contacts.

 

[achris]

Re: 5.0 Multiple Issues

Thanks for the imput, however all the cables are brand new, right down to the ones to the starter, also a brand new battery. Thus why I have no clue where to go from here.

And had you mentioned that in the first post I would have been able to suggest something different.. :facepalm:....

 

[TheBlizzard]

Re: 5.0 Multiple Issues

Yeah I will try the relays this weekend, it will hard to tell if it works or not since the problem only happened once and then 'fixed itself' somehow.

I guess at this point I am just mainly concern with the oil leak, where are the points where it could leak other than the oil pressure solenoid? And what is the best way to check those areas for leaks. It is not spraying anywhere, just a slow drip that ends up in right down in the bottom of the bilge.

 

[TheBlizzard]

Re: 5.0 Multiple Issues

Any ideas on the oil leak? I looked around and couldn't see anything that points to any one part. And its not leaking enough to be super obvious. Help.

 

[Oldrod 47]

Re: 5.0 Multiple Issues

Check your timing cover for rust, Take some brake cleaner, spray and wipe down around vavle covers, intake manifold, oil pan and timing cover. Run it for a day or less and then take a clean rag-wypal-your hand- what ever and feel for oil or slick.

Have the valve covers been off? Are you sure it's coming from the engine and not the trim pump or hoses?

 

[spdracr39]

Re: 5.0 Multiple Issues

Oil leaks are hard to find especially small ones. Everything must be clean as a pin then look for a fresh trail. A good flashlight and a paper towel work best. It could be valve covers, Intake, Dipstick tube, Mechanical fuel pump, oil pan gasket, oil plug, front or rear main, timing cover gasket, well you get the picture.

 

[Failproof]

Re: 5.0 Multiple Issues

They make dye. Pour it in the oil. Special lens on a pen light, and viola, the leak glows like a alien snail trail.

 

[TheBlizzard]

Re: 5.0 Multiple Issues

Arrrghhh. Ok yeah I will just use the dye I guess. I was also thinking I could clean up the bilge good and then put something down there that is clean so I can see where it is coming from. I changed the front main bearing and I know its not the oil pressure sender. I am thinking its one of the valve covers actually.