Hydrolock

[crazyray78]

Was out this weekend on our boat an 1978 Galaxie with an 120 hp Mercrusier. Boat was running great we stopped to change skiers and when I tried to crank it it was hydrolocked. after pulling plugs and clearing water engine started and ran flawless rest of the day. My question is is it possible that engine took in a bit of backwash or would it be required to pull exhaust n riser? Used boat another 20 hrs or so since and no more problem but also don't want to overlook a serious problem.

 

[chris in va]

Re: Hydrolock

I just went through this nightmare too, except I didn't know I could just pull the plugs and continue on (4th of July no less). <br /><br />Anyway, you need to check if your boat is equipped with flappers in the pipes. Mine were completely disintegrated. Also, you MUST change out the oil as it will probably have tons of water in it. I hope for your engine's sake you did that...

 

[akriverrat]

Re: Hydrolock

more likely than backwash is it dieseled bacwards. shutting down without cooldown or with throttle above idle can cause this.

 

[crazyray]

Re: Hydrolock

thanks guys it didn't take any water in crankcase clean as a whisle have about 3 days running on it since then no recurance so must have been a fluke