97 225 Oceanpro

[mikem0011]

OK here goes I gots me this "FREE" boat a 97 wellcraft Excel 24' hull seems to be in good shape needs gauges and seats that is about it for the hull.

Just had a mechanic look at the engine we pulled off the heads, pistons appear to be in good shape no problems that we can see.

Lower unit seems to be in good shape prop spins freely in neutral locks up in forward and reverse.

Problem is flywheel only moves a few inches and than stops. The mechanic thinks it threw a rod, Is there anything else it could be? If it is a rod than I am to look for another engine right?

Any help is much appreciated

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 97 225 Oceanpro

or another power head. could have been dunked, and rusted up.

 

[mikem0011]

Re: 97 225 Oceanpro

Would getting a new powerhead be economical for this engine?
Seems like it would be about $4000 for a rebuilt powerhead and I could get a rebuilt motor that is about the same year for a little over $5000 with a 1 yr warranty?

 

[boatguy823]

Re: 97 225 Oceanpro

go with the rebuilt engine with the warranty

 

[mikem0011]

Re: 97 225 Oceanpro

OK I talked to another mechanic he said that there is no way this engine could throw a rod without damaging the pistons or showing some visible signs of damage. Just wanted to see what you guys think on this.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 97 225 Oceanpro

Don't jump to conclusions just yet. First, when you move the flywheel do all the pistons move? Second, drop the gearcase. If you do get it running you'll need to replace the water pump assembly anyway. Does it turn over with the gearcase off?

BTW -- yes, it can throw a rod without damaging the pistons. Not likely but possible.

 

[mikesea]

Re: 97 225 Oceanpro

Another possibility that could make you smile,one or more of the magnets under the flywheel could have come loose.This is a popular problem,the epoxy that holds them in place breaks down.once theflywheel is removed you can go from there,after that,remove carbs and intake assy.that will allow you to see the cap end of the piston rods,thereby giving you another step,one other thing,my neighbor had hos bearing cap,under flywheel lose a mounting bolt ,it tore up the stator and then locked the engine,?I think there was an issue with length of these bolts or need to use lock tite,cant remember the reason,but it happened on his 1997 225

 

[mikem0011]

Re: 97 225 Oceanpro

All the pistons do move and look good. The flywheel does not come to a sudden stop it feels more like something is binding. Tomorrow I will drop the LU and take a look at the flywheel. Anything I should be worried about by doing this?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 97 225 Oceanpro

use the proper puller and bolts when removing flywheel. #8 grade hardened bolts, and a harmonic balancer puller.

 

[mikem0011]

Re: 97 225 Oceanpro

OK had some success here...... with the head covers off I was able to get the flywheel to spin and all pistons are moving!

I am planning on cleaning up the head covers and put new gaskets on.

I than plan on doing everything on the "Awakening a sleeping engine" thread

While I have the head covers off is there anything else I should do or am I on the right track here?
Thanks again for all your help!!