Learning Still
Cadet
- Joined
- Sep 16, 2015
- Messages
- 8
Hi there,
After searching for other examples I can't find anything that matches my situation exactly so:
Bayliner 175 with 3.0l Mercruiser engine.
We hopped in the boat for the first time this summer. Because it's so late and we've been getting ready piecemeal type our minds weren't in 'dewinterize' mode (and because I'm a dumbass with only a few seasons of experience) I forgot the quick connect hoses.
Jump in at the dock. The boat turns over after 2-3 starts. It's a miracle. Normally we can never keep the battery charged well enough... I reverse it off the trailer.
Loaded up, we headed slowly to beyond the no wake zone. I put a bit of throttle on and it's sluggish so I pull back and let it warm up a little more.
After a minute or so I try again, still sputters out when asked to accelerate, so I again sit tight. (It's got a full tank of fresh gas but I've since learnt that full is better than empty for storage, and may have a heap of condensation in it). (This is me admitting to everything so at least other newbies will understand that ignorance is not bliss).
After a few more minutes the throttle responds and we accelerate into the middle of the lake. I get to the far side, about 2-3 mins of 20-25mph (the speedo has gone out after an engine replacement last year. I drained the water but apparently some remained without an anti freeze flush and cracked the block. Again, full disclosure).
I feel the engine losing power, so I throttle back and idle, trying not to alarm the kids but I know something is not right. I can't quite put my finger on it but I know my checklist isn't complete... I grill the other half about putting the plug in before launch (I know it's done but want to check). Then my daughter says "why is there water in the boat??" I turn and yes, water is sloshing out of the engine compartment. I immediately flick the bilge pump and remove the engine lid, quite a bit of water, and of course it hits me straight away- the quick disconnect hoses....
I don't turn off the engine, rightly or wrongly, as I fear it'll not start again, and push the hoses on hoping that it will start a cooling process with fresh water.
I let it run for a little, while the bilge pump removes the water, and look for any signs of leaks, any damage that could've come from overheating. Without really knowing what to look for I see nothing.
With the engine compartment now empty I throttle a little and it responds.
Cautiously, we boat for another few hours, tubing, with no discernible problems. I run the bilge pump routinely and remove a bit of water but not a heap. When we unscrew the plug to leave a LOT of water comes out, presumably from where the bilge pump can't remove?
My question is, in this scenario, is it possible I've done damage that won't be immediately evident?
The speedo doesn't work, and the temp guage sat on just over 100 degrees for the whole time (thinking it's either broken too or unreliable?).
I'd love some insight as to what could've happened in that time frame of running with disconnected hoses, and how will I know?
After searching for other examples I can't find anything that matches my situation exactly so:
Bayliner 175 with 3.0l Mercruiser engine.
We hopped in the boat for the first time this summer. Because it's so late and we've been getting ready piecemeal type our minds weren't in 'dewinterize' mode (and because I'm a dumbass with only a few seasons of experience) I forgot the quick connect hoses.
Jump in at the dock. The boat turns over after 2-3 starts. It's a miracle. Normally we can never keep the battery charged well enough... I reverse it off the trailer.
Loaded up, we headed slowly to beyond the no wake zone. I put a bit of throttle on and it's sluggish so I pull back and let it warm up a little more.
After a minute or so I try again, still sputters out when asked to accelerate, so I again sit tight. (It's got a full tank of fresh gas but I've since learnt that full is better than empty for storage, and may have a heap of condensation in it). (This is me admitting to everything so at least other newbies will understand that ignorance is not bliss).
After a few more minutes the throttle responds and we accelerate into the middle of the lake. I get to the far side, about 2-3 mins of 20-25mph (the speedo has gone out after an engine replacement last year. I drained the water but apparently some remained without an anti freeze flush and cracked the block. Again, full disclosure).
I feel the engine losing power, so I throttle back and idle, trying not to alarm the kids but I know something is not right. I can't quite put my finger on it but I know my checklist isn't complete... I grill the other half about putting the plug in before launch (I know it's done but want to check). Then my daughter says "why is there water in the boat??" I turn and yes, water is sloshing out of the engine compartment. I immediately flick the bilge pump and remove the engine lid, quite a bit of water, and of course it hits me straight away- the quick disconnect hoses....
I don't turn off the engine, rightly or wrongly, as I fear it'll not start again, and push the hoses on hoping that it will start a cooling process with fresh water.
I let it run for a little, while the bilge pump removes the water, and look for any signs of leaks, any damage that could've come from overheating. Without really knowing what to look for I see nothing.
With the engine compartment now empty I throttle a little and it responds.
Cautiously, we boat for another few hours, tubing, with no discernible problems. I run the bilge pump routinely and remove a bit of water but not a heap. When we unscrew the plug to leave a LOT of water comes out, presumably from where the bilge pump can't remove?
My question is, in this scenario, is it possible I've done damage that won't be immediately evident?
The speedo doesn't work, and the temp guage sat on just over 100 degrees for the whole time (thinking it's either broken too or unreliable?).
I'd love some insight as to what could've happened in that time frame of running with disconnected hoses, and how will I know?
Last edited:
:facepalm: