head gasket problem?

[nestorkelly]

We have a 1998 searay 3.0 mercruiser i/o It starting making a knocking noise and by the time we pulled it out of the water the noise was louder and odd puffing sounds. Took to mechanic and he said it was the head gasket and replaced for $600. The first time we took the boat out the same noise was there, always happining after we run the boat for about 20min and the faster we go the worse it is. Took to same mechanic and he said it was the head gasket again and he said the heads needed to be fixed. We paid another $200. Just took the boat out today and after 2 times around the lake the same noise and same problem. Could it be the mechanic is diagnosing the wrong problem or is something else causing a blown head gasket?

Would appreciate any help! Thanks

 

[fossill]

Re: head gasket problem?

Not quite sure how a head gasket problem makes a loud knocking sound? I'd be checking out the mechanical moving parts for that.

 

[TiredoleBoy]

Re: head gasket problem?

Sounds like a potential crank bearing to me. Head gasket will not do this, me thinks it is time to seek out some intelligent mechanics.

 

[nestorkelly]

Re: head gasket problem?

yea, the first time we noticed air coming out from underneath the manifold and when the head gasket was repaired there is now no air coming out. Also this mechanic said the head gasket that was on the boat was not a marine head gasket. The person who owned the boat before us had the head gasket replaced 2 years ago. But still the same ticking noise which turns into the louder odd puffing noise. Boat does not overheat and runs good up til this point.

I'm afraid we will have to give this mechanic another chance to fix the boat and hope he'll be fair and not charge us anymore. We've paid him $800 so far and same problem.

 

[Alpheus]

Re: head gasket problem?

Find another mechanic. Head gaskets don't "just blow", and if they do there is an underlying problem.(warped head or deck) You are just throwing money away and this mechanic is loving it.

I would start with a compression check and try to narrow it down from there. If it is truly a blown head gasket a compression check with find it...

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: head gasket problem?

Agreed. You have a parts replacer, not a mechanic, time for new one

 

[fossill]

Re: head gasket problem?

I'm afraid we will have to give this mechanic another chance to fix the boat and hope he'll be fair and not charge us anymore. We've paid him $800 so far and same problem.[/QUOTE]

Usually one only pays for a repair once. If it comes back for the same problem the shop should be eating the repair bill, at least thats the way it is with reputable outfits. Don't they guarantee their repair work? Cut your losses and find someone who knows what they are doing.

 

[TiredoleBoy]

Re: head gasket problem?

Here is what to do, get a long handled screw driver or a mechanic stethoscope and place it near the knocking sound. Move it until it is at its loudest then report back to us where it ended up at.

 

[nestorkelly]

Re: head gasket problem?

We found a authorized mercruiser dealer that we are going to take our boat and hopefully the problem will be solved. They have a premeir status and warranty their work so all should be good. Should be interesting to see what they have to say...

In the mean time my husband is going to ask for our money back minus parts. lol

 

[fossill]

Re: head gasket problem?

Thats the way to go all right.