Catastrophic engine failure...

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: Catastrophic engine failure...

Great suggestions from all...thanks! Really like the .45 bore brush suggestion...I shoot competitively(3 gun/bullseye) so there are plenty in my cleaning box!(I've also found a case tumbler works wonders to clean up old bolts, nuts, washers, small parts etc...).

So here's my dilema.

I'm going to leave the block alone. I know there's minor wear to the cylinders, a VERY small "ridge"(so small it won't actually catch a fingernail...just noticeable). I've never rebuilt an engine like this before, so the learning curve will be steep, and the machine shop is backed up with race engines for at LEAST a couple of weeks. Prior to this, I had compression readings of 130-135 accross the board.

So here's the plan:
I'll put the head back on and compression test it...BEFORE I put it all back together again. If I see acceptable numbers, I'll reassemble and run for the rest of the short Wisconsin season. If the numbers are low or vary greatly...I will just plan on using the "PanfishSlayer" to get my nautical fix this year and begin a complete overhaul immediately.

Now...Seeing the wear, I know that it'll need to be rebuilt eventually, so is there any harm in running it the rest of the season, then pulling the whole shootin' match later? That way I have all(and by that I mean Loooooong)winter to get an engine stand/tools/machine/rebuild/rehab etc...The head will have already been done, so I have just the lower end to rebuild. I figure I'll only be out the cost of a head gasket, but will at least have it running for the next three months or so.

Thanks again for the suggestions...

No harm in running it that way. Probably has looked like that for years. It may be a bit down on power compared to a fresh motor, but as long as you get respectable and relatively EVEN (most important) compression numbers, it will probably run better than it has in a while.

 

[Hoosmatroos]

Re: Catastrophic engine failure...

+1 IMHO. Check and if the numbers look good then enjoy the season and rebuild in the winter. If the numbers are almost the same as before then you could think of not rebuilding at all.....yet.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Catastrophic engine failure...

I think you have a good plan, Oshkosh. If the compression numbers fall off after running her, then think about a rebuild. It might be many, many years.

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: Catastrophic engine failure...

So....
I just got back from the shop. Cracked head at the forward face and around to the #1 cylinder. He stopped looking for issues after that. Since he figured "You weren't carrying a spare head around in your pocket", he went ahead and shaved, hard seated and totally rebuilt another core he had(new valves). Out the door for $350...gave me the old one to "use as a doorstop", or (if ever needed) to pick a spring/stud etc...off of. Took the head bolts I had, cleaned them up with a wire wheel and said there would be no issue reusing them. Told me to put a little copper RTV on the threads, torque to 95lbs(50, 75, 95) check the compression, if good run it...if not...pull the engine and for another $800 or so he'd "make it better than new".

Now...Seeing that the head is not painted(it was boiled/cleaned)I need to do that prior to assembly.

Can I just give it a good soaking with brake-kleen and then spray with some hi-temp header/grill(1200?) paint?

Thanks all for the help...

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Catastrophic engine failure...

$350 with no core is still good. And you have good door stop or an anchor even.

The brake cleaner should get rid of any incidental oils from the rebuilding. Engine paint spray bombs are good for painting. No need for high temp paint unless you want too.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: Catastrophic engine failure...

Sounds like a good deal.

Personally, I usually clean all the oils off with hot soapy water, rinse with hot water, and blow them off with compressed air. Cheaper, and better for you than cans of brake clean. Up to you though. Acetone on a rag would work good too.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Catastrophic engine failure...

They make high temp engine spray paint that you can find at most auto parts stores.

 

[Volphin]

Re: Catastrophic engine failure...

Gloss black engine paint. Or if you want to get fancy, try the aluminum color. I always use carb cleaner and compressed air to clean off the residual oils.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Catastrophic engine failure...

I have even painted engines with regular paint. Painted my show car's engine with the same paint as the exterior. if the boat motor is cooled properly, it wont get above 200F

Simple rattle can duplicolor engine paint in gloss black available at every local auto store will work perfectly. they even make a 500 degree engine primer.

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Catastrophic engine failure...

I have even painted engines with regular paint. Painted my show car's engine with the same paint as the exterior. if the boat motor is cooled properly, it wont get above 200F

Simple rattle can duplicolor engine paint in gloss black available at every local auto store will work perfectly. they even make a 500 degree engine primer.

True, but heads get hotter than the block does and engine paint is designed to remain adhered to the metal under higher temps. It doesn't really cost much more to get the high temp stuff that will resist flaking off.

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: Catastrophic engine failure...

Late night...
So other than weight issues...is there any harm in assembling the head/manifold/elbow/carb on the bench then lifting it in as one piece?

The elbow and such are MUCH easier to work with off the boat.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Catastrophic engine failure...

Measure to make sure you dont have anything interfering. That would be the only thing I could think of.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Catastrophic engine failure...

Don't think so. Do you have some help? It's long and heavy and awkward all loaded up.

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: Catastrophic engine failure...

Don't think so. Do you have some help? It's long and heavy and awkward all loaded up.

Yes...I ate my Wheaties also!Lol! I think I have a two-fold somewhere in my hunting gear. I used it to hoist bull elk off the ground...but it's been a few years. Time to dig!

I'm just awaiting my hard-to-find intake gasket to put it all together.

I think the inconvience of the weight is outweighed by the ease of assembly out of the boat. If I need to do this all over again...I'll just disconnect the exhaust, carb linkage, water hoses and pick the head/manifold/elbow out as a whole. The biggest PITA so far was removing the manifold while in the boat due to the awkward position/cramped space.

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: Catastrophic engine failure...

Got everything assembled. Tapped/cleaned all threads, painted the head/manifold. Bought all new SS bolts. The old ones were useable, but just barely. I'll lift it in tomorrow.



Thanks to all for the help and suggestions.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Catastrophic engine failure...

She ought to be running by lunch.

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: Catastrophic engine failure...

Well...it's back together...
BUT(and isn't there always one?) compression doesn't look too good.
Prior to it going Supernova, I had around 130ish down the line. Now...100 on 1&2, then 120 on 3, 4, 5, and 125 on 6.
Now...that IS a definate improvement from the 30psi I saw, but obviously it's a mortal wound.

It's getting dark, but I'll try and get it to actually run tomorrow. I'll let it warm and put a little oil in the cylinders and check the numbers again. Regardless, it looks like I'll be pulling it. If it runs, I'll run it through the rest of the season(about 3 more months here!) and plan on pulling it in the fall.

At least it looks pretty...so there's that!Lol!

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Catastrophic engine failure...

Get her started, warmed up and run for a while. Re-torque the head and re-check the compression.

 

[Volphin]

Re: Catastrophic engine failure...

Depending on your machine shop's work, the valves will have to be run for a little while to lap themselves into their seats. This can effect initial compression readings.

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: Catastrophic engine failure...

Well the job is done...

I started it, allowed it to run on muffs for about 20 minutes adjusted the valve lash running("0"lash+1/2 turn), then let it cool overnight. Went out and re-torqued the head bolts and took another compression reading. Guess what? 130psi...accross the board. Looks like between re-torquing the head/running the valves in did the trick. Fires and runs with a quick flick of the key, and idles smooth with no hesitation whatsoever.

I'll hit the water with it next week, but all appears to be in good order.

Thanks again for the help and suggestions. I could not have done it without you.

Fair winds and following seas to all.