5.7L Mercruiser- Water in NEW engine- let Marina replace it again??

[floydff]

I JUST got a 1996 Chaparral 24 with a newly rebuilt 5.7 mercruiser that was put in by a "Premier Service" marina and it had less than 10 hours on it when it died. The engine stopped suddenly while running at approximately 35 knots. We thought it must have run out of fuel at the time. After turning it over and pumping it full of fuel, we found that it had stopped because the negative to the ignition module was lost due to a LOUSY ground connection. After fixing that, the engine turned over and backfired and then couldn't turn over any more. We noticed that the starter didn't sit snug and got wedged in the flywheel and had to be re-built (it still has 1/4" of slop). We still couldn't get it to turn over so removed several plugs and found water (it did not appear to have water in the oil dipstick). I towed ($800 Sea Tow) it back to the marina, and now after several weeks, they said "there is water in the engine, so it is shot" and "even if it was our Technician's negligence, it's been over 30 days so it's not our problem." They said that the manifolds were not replaced with the engine, so that is probably where the water came in from, so again it is not their problem.<br /><br />Any suggestions of what I should do or how I should proceed??? I'm totally disgusted with a boat I haven't even gotten home yet. Thanks for any insight you can provide!!!

 

[mercrewser]

Re: 5.7L Mercruiser- Water in NEW engine- let Marina replace it again??

When the ignition cut out the engine probably diesled, ran backwards and brought water up the exhaust. Change the oil and see if it will run.

 

[floydff]

Re: 5.7L Mercruiser- Water in NEW engine- let Marina replace it again??

I'm confused because if the engine had taken up water after it lost the ignition while running on a good plane, would it have been able to turn over and over and over... then, after getting voltage to the coil, have it turn over for 5-10 seconds and backfire?<br /><br />The Dealership says the problem could not have been related to the engine shutting off suddenly, because that is the same effect as pulling the kill switch lanyard. But, I've read on a previous post on this site that even an engine backfire could cause water intake.<br /><br />Why would a "Premier Service" dealer just want to say the motor was shot? Because of the possible liability of trying to hold them responsible for some of their negligence (like I said, even if everything was running, the starter bolts are 1/4" too long to fit the starter snug against the block, even though the marina says they are the right bolts for that motor), I'm not sure how much work I want to perform myself.<br /><br />I also don't know how to check the engine exhaust manifolds, but I would have assumed the mechanic would have looked at them before putting them back on a new engine. It's amazing that putting the old ones back on can void an engine warranty!<br /><br />Finally, a friend of mine with the same engine on a Donzi had his rebuilt engine die right away because they didn't have the right length "risers". Is this a problem on Chapparral?<br /><br />Thanks for all the help!

 

[yoced]

Re: 5.7L Mercruiser- Water in NEW engine- let Marina replace it again??

The backfire could most assuredly pull water up, depending on how low your boat was sitting. Your exhaust could have taken on the water when it quit running, then it took a few turns of the key before your pistons sucked up enough to lock.<br /><br />They want to say the engine is shot because (pick one)...<br />... They are lazy<br />... They are too busy<br />... They are crooks<br />... They are making a killing on engines<br />... They don't like you and want you to go to another marina<br /><br />Putting *bad* manifolds on a new engine SHOULD void any manufacturer's warranty. No reason an engine manufacturer should pay for bad mechanics. Further liability might be found when you ask: who's decision was it to mount the old manifolds?<br /><br />Also, you said the Marina installed your new engine. Did they do the rebuild?<br /><br />On the face of it it sounds like you may want to find a new marina to deal with. <br /><br />I like Mercrewser's suggestion, but I would warn you to try that only if you are willing to walk away from any attempts at working with this dealer. If you are thinking of being more forceful with them (BBB, Lawyers, Big Bikers with Bombs) then you are better letting the engine alone.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: 5.7L Mercruiser- Water in NEW engine- let Marina replace it again??

a 24 ft chapparel shutting down at 35 mph will create a sizable wake,and most likely take water up thru the exhaust.There are shutters there <br /> to prevent this,but they may have burned out.<br />DHP

 

[K Hultgre]

Re: 5.7L Mercruiser- Water in NEW engine- let Marina replace it again??

Does your state have a lemon law ?

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: 5.7L Mercruiser- Water in NEW engine- let Marina replace it again??

You need to take it to a reputable facility and have them determine what caused the problem and estimate what it would take to set it right. If it's determined that the first shop is at fault, maybe you'll be able to work with them on a mutually agreeable solution, but chances are you'll need to involve a lawyer. Do Nothing to the Motor Yourself! You'll be left without a leg to stand on. It may all ride on whose fault it was that that ignition wire failed. Try to find a shop with a Certified Master mechanic. You can contact Mercury Marine for the nearest Master to you.

 

[DHPMARINE]

Re: 5.7L Mercruiser- Water in NEW engine- let Marina replace it again??

I just reread these posts.If you can grab your starter motor and MOVE it,And they tell you the correct bolts are in ....... get the boat out of there.<br />DHP

 

[navigator336]

Re: 5.7L Mercruiser- Water in NEW engine- let Marina replace it again??

Eight year old manifolds and risers should never have been put back onto a new engine, especially if this is a salt water boat. I agree with the previous posts. Find out who's decision it was to reuse them. If the previous owner refused new ones it should be noted on the repair bill. If the marina did not highly recommend replacing them, or better still, refuse to reuse them, then they are at fault for incompetence especially if this voids the manufacturers one year warrantee. I'd get Mercury involved. Manifolds can be easily tested for leaks. Risers are more difficult. That abrupt stop definitely put a lot of water against stern and could have caused water to come back up through the exhaust if the shutters were defective.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 5.7L Mercruiser- Water in NEW engine- let Marina replace it again??

I'm in Total Agreement with the above..........<br /><br />I think your ""Premier Service" marina" is Trying to Cover their A$$e$................<br /><br />It must Not take Much to be certfied as a "Premier Service" marina....................

 

[floydff]

Re: 5.7L Mercruiser- Water in NEW engine- let Marina replace it again??

I spoke with the previous owner today. He said the boat was running good BEFORE it went to the marina and had the engine replaced. A compression test by an independant mechanic that was done before he was going to sell the boat in December had shown a cylinder was bad. So, he told the marina to "do whatever it took to get the engine right". The charged him over $5000 to "totally rebuild the engine". The marina NEVER mentioned anything about any manifolds, so he assumed the entire "engine" was new or replaced. He said if they would have mentioned anything about the manifolds to get it right, he would have done it (he is VERY meticulous with his toys).<br /><br />The Julington Creek Marina General Manager in Jacksonville said today that after 30 days, work they did was no longer their problem. And, since the engine is "full of water" (according to them) "most likely from the old manifolds" (again, according to them) nothing was under warranty. After 3 weeks, they have not even tried to take anything apart but just ASSUME. If I agree to let them put ANOTHER engine in, I guess they may work on it.<br /><br />I'm pretty much stuck for 2 more weeks letting the water sit in the engine until the old owner gets back in town. If I try to do anything, it will now be my fault. So, I hit the buy button for a trip next week to get me out of this depressing situation for a while....Thanks everyone for the information! I'm now starting to learn a little about inboards, and appreciating my little outboard even more! It sure seems scary that someone could pull the kill lanyard on a boat and permanently kill an inboard engine in the process!!

 

[Blk-n-Blu]

Re: 5.7L Mercruiser- Water in NEW engine- let Marina replace it again??

Floyd, Check out this article and if at all possible get the water out of the motor ASAP to try to save it.<br /><br /> http://www.marinemechanic.com/site/page88.html <br />Wish you luck.

 

[floydff]

Re: 5.7L Mercruiser- Water in NEW engine- let Marina replace it again??

That is a good article. Unfortunately, the boat is at the marina that did the installation. I don't know how I could get in there and work on the boat, without them coming back in the future and blaming me for the repair. I was going to go through the hassle of loading the boat on the trailer (somehow) and towing it to another "authorized" Mercruiser repair marina, but they can't look at it for 2 weeks either. By then, I'm sure there will be damage from water sitting for over a month with several of the plugs removed. VERY DEPRESSING!!

 

[floydff]

Re: 5.7L Mercruiser- Water in NEW engine- let Marina replace it again??

That is a good article. Unfortunately, the boat is at the marina that did the installation. I don't know how I could get in there and work on the boat, without them coming back in the future and blaming me for the repair. I was going to go through the hassle of loading the boat on the trailer (somehow) and towing it to another "authorized" Mercruiser repair marina, but they can't look at it for 2 weeks either. By then, I'm sure there will be damage from water sitting for over a month with several of the plugs removed. VERY DEPRESSING!!

 

[floydff]

Re: 5.7L Mercruiser- Water in NEW engine- let Marina replace it again??

Well, after another month has gone by, the Marina FINALLY called and said they took the engine out of the boat. They say there is water in the 4 cylinders on one side, but not in the other. They say the engine is now froze up (it's had water sitting in it for 6 weeks while they got around to looking at it). They "don't know why it wasn't mentioned to replace the 8 year old exhaust manifolds" when the re-built engine was installed (that Mechanic is no longer there). But now, the warranty will be no good. And, once again, after 30 days they say it's not their problem even if they messed up. They can tell from looking at the engine that it has less than 10 hours on it. This place is suppose to be a Premium/Platinum? service center.<br /><br />Does anyone have a suggestion on where to send this engine to get it worked on, or if they are usually considered shot at this point where to order another one? Plus, I'm assuming I should definitely get new exhaust manifolds from "somewhere" to put on it. I can't believe I've gotten 20 minutes out of a boat and now have to worry with buying another new engine!!! Thanks for any advise you can provide!

 

[Wart T]

Re: 5.7L Mercruiser- Water in NEW engine- let Marina replace it again??

I don't know of any mechanics that will install old manifolds on a new engine. I price all my new engines with manifolds. While the engine is out it is also a simple matter to check and repair shutters. It is foolhardy not to. You can involve all the lawyers you like, you wont get anything. My advice: Spread word of mouth, take a full page ad out in the local paper explaining all the facts. In other words, try to put them out of business.<br />Jerks makin us all look bad.

 

[coheainco]

Re: 5.7L Mercruiser- Water in NEW engine- let Marina replace it again??

Hey old baldfatguy...where in CO are you located? Do you run a service shop etc?<br /><br />I'm in C-Springs and am getting involved in boating.