Did I make a mistake?

[Marpet]

Great forum guys, Keep up the good work!

Just purchased (yesterday) a 1995 Rinker with a 3 ltr Merc with Alpha drive. Imported from US to Canada. Before buying, I started and ran the boat but did not drive, as the weather was terrible. Checked the oil, and all other levels, shifted into forward and reverse with no noticable issues. Noticed water dripping from the exhaust manifold, but didn`t regard this a fatal (it is a `95, I do expect some bumps). Also noticed a fine mist above the engine but haven`t been able to discern where from yet. So here is the problem.

Got home and started the engine, to do a little more investigating. Low and behold, the engine block has been cracked and welded. Didn`t notice this before buying, and don`t have an excuse as to why. It is bought and now I have to make the best of it.

Haven`t noticed milky oil or a sudden rise in level but will hook up the muffs and run longer just to be sure. Am I diluding myself or is it only a matter of time before the block needs replacement?

Is replacing the exhuast manifold a big job, or just remove and replace?

Where should I start as far as mantainence is concerned on a 300hr+ boat that was owned by someone who relied on the shop to keep it running? (I don't think it has been cleaned, waxed, or washed in the 12 years he owned it.)

I am thinking that a trip to my own garage may be in order, but any help is appreciated.

Gord

 

[cr2k]

Re: Did I make a mistake?

If it runs fine, I wouldn't worry too much about the block. If it is leaking you can grind a little v in to it and patch with JB Weld. As long as that is the only major problem. Keep an eye on the oil.

Manifolds are fairly straight forward. It might help to remove the elbow first, especially if its on the back, mostly for weight. Then you can check the flappers on the top end of the exhaust down tube.

You will most likely want to (or have done ) replace the water pump impeller, unless you know for sure its new. This is a every other year deal, so it is something worth learning to do yourself.

Is your own garage an automotive shop? If so you will need to find a marine shop or mechanic. There are similarities but there are some differences that are kind of important such as sealers, greases, gaskets, procedures, etc. that you want a marine savvy mechanic for. We just know what to look for and where to look for problems.

Rinker is a good quality boat and should last you. The 3.0 MC is similar to the other 4 cyls. but marine specific. Keep up with the maintenance.

Good luck and don't hesitate to hit us up for info.
Let us know how it works out for you too.

 

[Marpet]

Re: Did I make a mistake?

Well, a little more information.

Firstly, I do use a local marine shop and have owned boats in the past. They were always purchased for resale, so I was spending outside of my budget but able to use a boat for the summer and make a little cash in the fall. This is my first "older" boat and was purchased to keep. Therefore, I want to make sure I cover all the bases to help ensure years of worry free fun.

Anyways, I spoke with the previous owner and he stated that the crack happened back in 2003. He hasn't had any problems with it since and the boat has ran well. He didn't mention it as he didn't see it as a issue (ya, right, plus it may affect the sale). As far as the manifold leaks, his garage said it was the gaskets and even if replaced would probably leak a bit anyways (agree?). He had a new battery and fuel pump installed in the last couple of weeks ago, but decided not to do the gaskets.

The last time it went in for maintainence was fall 2007. The garage "checked it over" but only a standard winterizing was performed.

So here is my plan. Clean, Clean, Clean, Wash, Polish, Wax!! Enjoy for the rest of this season, then take in to get winterized. While there have them check the whole system out. See what the damage is, what can wait for another year and fix the most important/ neglected first. If I can spread out the costs (if $$$) over a couple years then it wont be so bad.

Thanks for your input,

Gord