July 4th on the lake started great, trip out in my 1990 Sunbird ended on a sour note, engine stall on throttle down to pass under a bridge, no restart. On the water troubleshooting shows starter turning crank, cam / belt not moving, looks like shorn off the "teeth" of the timing belt. I was planning to replace, just hadn't got to it, so day cut short with a 1/10 mile tow to the ramp. Pull the boat out and head home, park it over night and most of the next day to dry out before storing in the garage. Figure I'll change the water circulating pump as well and order one (marine type) at a great price, purchase timing belt and pulley from auto supplier another $130 thrown into the hole in the water.
While drying out in the near 100 degree heat of Monday, 5th July, observed that there is gear lube (clear greenish) leaking from a weep hole on the starboard side of the lower unit. Never saw leaks of gear lube before and none when I parked it early evening on the Fourth. I guess the high outside temperature and radiant heat from the driveway allowed the lube to thin enough to leak freely. I expect some seal has failed. Can anyone identify a likely culprit? Obviously a dealer job, what is involved? Also, any thoughts on whether I can do the water pump / timing belt install and return the engine to operation before I drag it to the marine mechanic? Will I harm anything starting the boat / running on muffs until the lower unit is serviced?
I have read the comments on OMC, stuck with it last year and this (so far) as it is my first boat and I had only about 2K tied up in it to date. If I am looking at a pricey repair, then I'm going to cut my losses and sell it before I sink more than another $300 into it over and above what is already spent to acquire the timing parts.
All comments welcome, hope your Fourth was better than mine.
Vinkress
While drying out in the near 100 degree heat of Monday, 5th July, observed that there is gear lube (clear greenish) leaking from a weep hole on the starboard side of the lower unit. Never saw leaks of gear lube before and none when I parked it early evening on the Fourth. I guess the high outside temperature and radiant heat from the driveway allowed the lube to thin enough to leak freely. I expect some seal has failed. Can anyone identify a likely culprit? Obviously a dealer job, what is involved? Also, any thoughts on whether I can do the water pump / timing belt install and return the engine to operation before I drag it to the marine mechanic? Will I harm anything starting the boat / running on muffs until the lower unit is serviced?
I have read the comments on OMC, stuck with it last year and this (so far) as it is my first boat and I had only about 2K tied up in it to date. If I am looking at a pricey repair, then I'm going to cut my losses and sell it before I sink more than another $300 into it over and above what is already spent to acquire the timing parts.
All comments welcome, hope your Fourth was better than mine.
Vinkress
