just noticed somthing

[toolsinbox]

1989 21 ft scarab 454 alpha outdrive

I was at the lake first time in the water. Low rpm and lots of steam comming from valve covers engine running rough. Checked the oil and its milky. Have it home now and wanted to know what I should do. What are the steps I need to take to find the problem. What need to be removed? What should I be looking for?

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: What are the steps I need to take.

Re: What are the steps I need to take.

Start looking for cracks in the block..you may not see any though from the outside of the motor but that much water in the oil is a sign it has internal cracks..

 

[jakebrake]

Re: What are the steps I need to take.

Re: What are the steps I need to take.

late 80s gms were head gasket eaters. does it have aluminum heads? check them for cracks as well. but i'd bet a cup of coffee it's a head gasket.

either way, check all 3.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: What are the steps I need to take.

Re: What are the steps I need to take.

Was your engine winterized properly if you are in an area that gets freezing temps during the winter?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: What are the steps I need to take.

Re: What are the steps I need to take.

late 80s gms were head gasket eaters. does it have aluminum heads? check them for cracks as well. but i'd bet a cup of coffee it's a head gasket.

either way, check all 3.

Curious...why would you think it would have aluminum heads?

 

[Bondo]

Re: What are the steps I need to take.

Re: What are the steps I need to take.

Ayuh,... Pull the Plugs,+ do a compression test...
Drain the cooling system, isolate it,+ Pressurize with air,... You'll Hear the Leaks....

 

[toolsinbox]

Re: What are the steps I need to take.

Re: What are the steps I need to take.

Thanks for the tips.

The engine was filled with anti freeze and plugs pulled last fall

What are the tipical signs of water seepage in an exaust gasket, head gasket, and intake? As I read here somewhere its just as important to be able to recognize a problem.

What compression readings should I be looking for?

 

[GEORGE OAKLEY]

Re: What are the steps I need to take.

Re: What are the steps I need to take.

pull all of the plugs look for water or rust. then have some one spin the engine over while you look for water to come from one of the plug holes ( it helps to have someone help you look ) if you get water from plug holes 2-4-3-5 ) its might be time to replace the risers. most of the time they go first. do the compression next they should be with in 10 psi of each .the pressure test from BOND O IS THE BEST DEAL NEXT IF YOU CAN DO IT. After you fix the leak you will need to get the water out of the oil. drain the oil pull the filter put 2 cans of oil back in with the filter stiull off spin the engine over pumping the clean oil out the open filter hole. when it comes clean put the filter on fill with oil run motor untill oil is warm to tuch. then repeat oil change. you wont get the junk out of valve covers untill you get the engine hot. do this by closing off the pressure side of the pump not the intake side. hope this helps

 

[toolsinbox]

Re: What are the steps I need to take.

Re: What are the steps I need to take.



Thanks George

I will get at this in the morning.

Are the risers the components that attach to the top of the exaust manifolds?

 

[GEORGE OAKLEY]

Re: What are the steps I need to take.

Re: What are the steps I need to take.

yes they are

 

[toolsinbox]

Re: What are the steps I need to take.

Re: What are the steps I need to take.

I have an up date

I drained the oil and 17 oz of water came out then the oil. I took out the plugs and water came out of the # 8 cylinder ( directly left of the distributer looking from inside the boat) Only that cylinder showed water. I am out of town till the weekend and will do compression test then.

 

[toolsinbox]

Re: Update with compression readings.

Re: Update with compression readings.

Ok I did compression test and here are the results looking from inside the boat, left side (starboard) from back to front.....
#8 70 lbs
#6 140 lbs
#4 140 lbs
#2 150 lbs

On the right side (port) from back to front....

#7 139 lbs
#5 85 lbs
#3 135 lbs
#1 140 lbs

A few questions. What do these readings tell me? Can anyone tell me the brand of risers I have so I can get gaskets? Is it posible to use a gasket sealent in their place? Do I need to replace the head bolts when and if I need to do the head gaskets? I appreciate any and all input.

Thanks for your help.

 

[meesh]

Re: Update with compression readings.

Re: Update with compression readings.

As your sitting in the boat facing forward, left side is port and right side is starboard. With #8 & #5 being that low its time to pull the heads and see what you are dealing with.

 

[toolsinbox]

Re: Update with compression readings.

Re: Update with compression readings.

Sitting in the boat looking back left is starboard and right is port....I thought.

 

[meesh]

Re: Update with compression readings.

Re: Update with compression readings.

Nope, you have it backwards. Here is an easy way to remember it. As you sit facing forward your left a 4 letter word is port also a 4 letter word.

 

[toolsinbox]

Re: Update with compression readings.

Re: Update with compression readings.

Yes but if I turn around in the boat and look back port is on the right

 

[toolsinbox]

Re: Update with compression readings.

Re: Update with compression readings.

going to take heads out now

 

[toolsinbox]

Re: Update with compression readings.

Re: Update with compression readings.

bump

 

[toolsinbox]

Re: Update with compression readings.

Re: Update with compression readings.

Her are the pics for the starboard side tare down where the # 8 cylinder gave me 70 lbs compresssion.

 

[toolsinbox]

Re: Update with compression readings.

Re: Update with compression readings.

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