smoke and it won't move

[ratdogs float]

I have a 1989 19 foot Century with a 4.3 Merc and an Alpha one drive. I have had the boat for 3 weeks and for the most part I?ve been very pleased with it, until today. While out on the lake I was running the boat with a full throttle and then I stopped. When I attempted to go again the boat would not move. I opened the engine compartment and I saw and smelled smoke. The smoke seamed to be coming from the very rear of the engine. I notice that the temperature was way high. Can you guys help me out with what is the problem? The motor runs fine but no moving.

 

[Don S]

Re: smoke and it won't move

You spun an engine coupler. When that happens, the impeller in the drive doesn't move, (no cooling water) with no water, you burn the exhaust hoses between the elbows and the Y tube.
Between the rubber coupler and the exhaust hoses, you get lots of smoke and smell of burning rubber, and overheated engine.

 

[ratdogs float]

Re: smoke and it won't move

thank you! how much $$$$$$, I am somewhat handy but no gear head. How about motor damage?

 

[WizeOne]

Re: smoke and it won't move

thank you! how much $$$$$$, I am somewhat handy but no gear head. How about motor damage?

Pull engine, check transom, check motor mount lumber, replace coupler, reinstall engine, check alignment, adjust mounts accordingly.

More often than not couplers smoke because there is a gross mis-alignment of the transom unit and the motor. This is caused by rotted flexing transoms and/or rotted motor mount structure.

As far as motor damage, it is hard to say. I would probably do a compression and leakdown test before you pull the motor.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: smoke and it won't move

I notice that the temperature was way high

Unless "way high" was REALLY "way high" You probably didn't damage the engine....how high was "way high"?

 

[imported_TheMan]

Re: smoke and it won't move

Won't he need to pull the engine to replace the coupler anyways or can you do that without pulling it.. seems like it would be a huge PITA.

 

[sea wolf]

Re: smoke and it won't move

Won't he need to pull the engine to replace the coupler anyways or can you do that without pulling it.. seems like it would be a huge PITA.

Sorry, engine has to come out. Check iboats for price of coupler. It's the labor that will cost you. Remember, now that you have no water pump, don't run it 'till it's fixed or the engine will be toast.