I was delt a crushing blow!!

[lee74carlson]

Well when they say a boat is a hole to pour money into they are correct. My 1996 21 Bayliner 5.7L 350 with Alfa one is the reason for it. I took it in to a shop for starting problem and then to be serviced. I have always had starting problems since I purchased it USED in Feb, 1st boat. Well there have been 4 starters since Feb and the mechancic says now it was the flywheel. No problem, fixed it and was covered under warranty. As he went to service it, you guessed it water in the oil pan. After he took it apart found crack between #6 and #8. And according to the warranty this will not be covered, due to it was not a part failure. Now, fist of all what would cause the engine block to crack like that? It seems like it would need to run hot for a while right? It had overheated meaning the alarm went off and I shut it down waited for it to cool and then took it home then to the shop. They changed the thermostat and water pump just before the crack was found, by a different mechanic though. I really just don't know what to do. My gut feeling was this crack was there to start with before I bought it but I did buy the boat as is. What is involved as far as time and money getting my boat running again? I will appreciate any advice or scholding that any may have.<br />Lee

 

[jam39vw995]

Re: I was delt a crushing blow!!

I feel bad for ya. It sucks when you get news like that.<br /><br />I hope I can answer you.<br /><br />The crack, most likely, was caused by improper winterizing. Water in the block froze, expanded and cracked it.<br />I'm not vastly experienced with boats so I'm not sure if overheating would cause this. Freezing certainly would though.<br /><br />hth

 

[rodbolt]

Re: I was delt a crushing blow!!

hello<br /> overheat normally causes a head gasket failure or a crack in the cylinder head. I cant think of a way to crack the block between cylinders other than maybe freezing. freezing will usually crack the water galley just above the lifters in the intake valley. if it is just the block that is cracked and not the heads then any wrecking yard can supply a block . bore it,have new cam bearings installed , buy new pistons,rings,bearings and a gasket kit and give it a go. the marine gaskets are different so the gasket set should be a marine but the rest do not have to be. if the cam is not rusted or pitted it is reusable. carefully remove and label all lifters so they can go back on the same lobe or failure is almost certain.<br /> or look about on this site for reman short or long blocks. <br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[zzzzz]

Re: I was delt a crushing blow!!

B...O...A...T....Break Out Another Thousand !

 

[BRIAN03]

Re: I was delt a crushing blow!!

I would want to see the crack with my own eyes. Next I would look at the top of all the pistons. I bet it all that all of them have had water on them. The reason you have gone thru all those starters is the engine has been hydro locking. The problem is the engine is pulling water in thru the exhaust. Its Mercrusier # 1 warranty problem. Look at the inside of both risers. There should be no rust in the exhaust side. If its been pulling water thru the exhaust the valve cover will be all milked up. If its a crack on one side the problem will be on one side of the engine. Does the engine have exhaust extentions in between the risers and manifolds. You need someone to look at this who knows about water injestion.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: I was delt a crushing blow!!

hello<br /> yep what Brain03 says. I cannot recall ever seeing a chevy v8 cyl block or deck crack due to over heat. and I may have seen more than most people posting here as I worked part time at an auto machine shop as well as a techinian at an auto shop for many years.not only can I grind the crank and bore the block and give you a killer 3 angle valve job. I can assemble it and test it . but brian03 is correct. ask to see that crack then ask why. merc has a consumer tech line as well. get the answers then email merc, good luck and post us and let us know. I always invite a second opinion when I tell some one their motor is POOF. I would also ask to see the risers and manifolds if it is saltwater cooled. if they are the originals its about 3 years past the service life. so it may be a parts failure

 

[denniz]

Re: I was delt a crushing blow!!

Id want to see the crack too. Hydrolocking probably took out your starters. UNLESS IT was high water. Dont think a cylinder full of water would crack a block though.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: I was delt a crushing blow!!

Sounds like the static water line is too high if it has consumed so many starters. About a year ago this topic was brought up. Do a search on Static Water Line. See Vinnies posts. It may be helpful. <br /><br />Lee, I would just get a rebuilt short block. You can shop around and usually find one for 600 to 800 bucks. Use your heads and other parts. Check those exhaust manifolds, and ask about the static water line. It is possible that it was a manufactures error in the wrong position of the engine/outdrive. You got to be pushy, but know the facts first.<br /><br />SS

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: I was delt a crushing blow!!

Being the boat is in Lousy-anna, its more than likely a salt water boat and being its a 96 and if there's no sign of the risers ever being replaced, I would probably go for the risers leaking. Never seen a block crack in that location from either freezing or overheating. Now if this engine has been hydrolocking, it could have blown out the head gasket between the cylinders and the hot gasses can eat a rut between the cylinders over a peroid of time.