PLEASE help! Water intrusion

Joined
Feb 19, 2015
Messages
74
Ok so long story short--
Did an oil change and ran then found water in my oil and everything told me it just couldn't be a cracked block, maybe head gasket. I started tearing down the motor and discovered that both flappers in the exhaust are GONE. Nothing but the pivot rod left.

How likely is it that this is the source of my wate inrusion? The manifolds have some rust right at the block other than that no major corrosion or distortiont hat would allow water in that way. I haven't pulled the manifold off yet but probably will to check the interior, never been this deep into a motor so may as well take a look eh?

This is a 1997 Sea Ray 190. 4.3 vortec. prior to discovering water, ran like a top. Am I wishful thinking?
 

thumpar

Admiral
Joined
Jun 21, 2007
Messages
6,138
I ran mine without flappers a good part of last season with no issues, I just made sure not to shut it down at any kind of speed.
 

Bt Doctur

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 29, 2004
Messages
19,344
not likely , to get water up thru the exaust and into a cylinder would result in hydro-lock , then a rusted cylinder .
improperly covered and rain water got in thru the carb
improperly covered and the drain plug was left in or the hole was clogged and the engine comp filled with water/ice
 
Last edited:

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,083
Ok so long story short--
Did an oil change and ran then found water in my oil and everything told me it just couldn't be a cracked block, maybe head gasket. I started tearing down the motor and discovered that both flappers in the exhaust are GONE. Nothing but the pivot rod left.

How likely is it that this is the source of my wate inrusion? The manifolds have some rust right at the block other than that no major corrosion or distortiont hat would allow water in that way. I haven't pulled the manifold off yet but probably will to check the interior, never been this deep into a motor so may as well take a look eh?

This is a 1997 Sea Ray 190. 4.3 vortec. prior to discovering water, ran like a top. Am I wishful thinking?

Ayuh,..... Welcome Aboard,.... We've got time for the long story,.....

How was it Winterized,..??

How much have ya torn apart,..??
 
Joined
Feb 19, 2015
Messages
74
It was not winterized, it was keep in garage with warmer in engin compartment. It doesn't get to freezing too often and we use the boat on nice days over the winter even.

Right now I have the exhaust manifolds off and the valve covers. Hope to remove manifold tomorrow to get a look. Maybe find a scope to check for cracks. There is that creamy jelly looking stuff around the lifters and such.

This is new territory for me, would really like to avoid a new motor if I can but am getting prepared for that.
 
Joined
Feb 19, 2015
Messages
74
Here's the long story

Bought the boat in December, ran ok but was missing some power. Basically got a tune up, new wires, distributor cap, plugs, set timing, adjusted carburetor. Ran great last time out but noticed strong smell of fuel in oil, changed oil. Then started having starter issues. Rar-Rar-clunk-spin. Starter rebuilt, same thing. Hydro lock? Motor doesn't smoke at all? Worn rings? Starter rebuilt- still has trouble starting. Then was replacing oil pressure safety switch, broke off the little nipple and oil started pouring, but it was creamy, water in it. Pumped it out and it was all creamy. everybody I talk to says " yep the block is cracked" just don't see how or why it would be. Just all of a sudden with any particular cause?
 

Bt Doctur

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Aug 29, 2004
Messages
19,344
V6 are known for cracks in the valley under the manifold and it don't take that much cold temp to crack it there.
 
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