could i have done any other damage

[rewdan]

Hi, whilst changing my mercruiser 4.3 v6 exhaust risers I didn't know about draining the water down first, anyway, the risers were pretty bad so I think the last time I started the boat with mufflers (about 6 weeks ago) I may have got some water in the cylinders. At that time I ran it for about 5 minutes just to turn it over. I do know if there was water in the cylinders.
That was 6 weeks ago.

Today
I have just changed the risers and noticed some damp in the manifold so I pulled all the plugs and turned the boat over some 10 times without mufflers, filled the cylinders with fogging oil, turned over the boat another 10 times.
The engine seems to turn over normally but about every 2 seconds I hear a click, could this be something in the engine that I have bent or is it likely to be the water pump or alternator or something else making a click. There is very little cooling water in the engine (I have now drained it down) but as I am not trying to start the engine, just purge water from the cylinders, I didn't see this as a problem. Also the oil is fine with no water in it.

Do you think I should fire her up or do something else. If I were to fire her up, what should I be looking for in terms of possible damage. I am no mechanic and have limited tools so an idiots guide would be great!
Thanks in advance.

 

[rewdan]

Re: could i have done any other damage

that should say 'I don't know' if there was water in the cylinders 6 weeks ago...sorry

 

[John_S]

Re: could i have done any other damage

The click could be bent pushrod, broken or mis-position rocker, which both could be caused by a rusted, stuck valve. Identify which side the noice is coming from and remove valve cover and have a look.

 

[rewdan]

Re: could i have done any other damage

thanks John
Is it likely that turning the engine over to determine which side the click is from will cause more damage to the engine, would starting the engine make things worse?
If your ever in the UK and need building advice I am your man!

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: could i have done any other damage

Valve cover gaskets are sold in pairs anyways, I'd pick a side and check all the rockers and pushrods, It will be obvious when you look if one is different than the rest. If one's bent the rocker arm might not even be on the pushrod.

If all look ok go to the other side and pull the cover. If is bent can be a pia to remove a bent pushrod out a straight hole. If you can't, then you can acces the lifter valley by removing the intake manifold and everything will be right there in plain sight.

 

[rewdan]

Re: could i have done any other damage

Thanks Eric, but do you think it will do any more damage turning the engine over plugs out, or starting it up?

 

[Eric 3.7LX Alpha 1]

Re: could i have done any other damage

Thanks Eric, but do you think it will do any more damage turning the engine over plugs out, or starting it up?

I would, without a doubt pull both valve covers off first if you suspect a bent pushrod.

The reason of turning the engine is to remove any additional water in the cylinders?

The water pump and alternator should not make any sounds when turning over.

Yank the covers off and then you can see the valves move as you turn over the engine over to get the water out. If none are bent then it just cost you a set of valve cover gaskets. Bolt em back up and fire it up.

 

[rewdan]

Re: could i have done any other damage

yep, the reason for turning it over was to get rid of any water, i am sure all the water is out. Its just the click noise that worries me, i don't know if its a bent push rod.. sounds a bit like when a solenoid clicks and your starter motor wont turn. Its not a dodgy solenoid but thats what it sounds like. I am stuck on an island called Ibiza in the mediteranean, where a gasket for my carb just cost me $100, they have you by the nu*ts here and its all adding up so if the click could be something else that would be good.