Water and the Engine Block

[Java Jack]

Hey All,

Question: I am looking at buying a boat that has been in storage for 1.5 to 2 years. Overall, boat is in great shape, just needs to clean up. All hoses, belts, etc. are all good. No water in any fluids, etc.

However, there was some water still in the engine block from the last time it was on the lake. This is not in the pistons or anything, just in the block where water flows through as part of the cooling process.

My question is, should I be concerned about water sitting in there for that length of time or will a simple flushing out be all that is really needed here.

Seller is getting boat ready for a lake test and say that it does turnover, etc.

Generally, when I hear water in the engine block I think about cracked block or blown head gasket, but I think this is a different scenario since we are talking part of the cooling system.

Thoughts?

Regards,
Java

 

[Don S]

Re: Water and the Engine Block

A little water just setting in the block in itself is not a problem, unless it freezes and cracks something. That's the problem.
Just check the oil before and after the test run. Then you will know for sure if there is any cracks. Be sure on the test run to open the engine hatch, look and listen while underway.

 

[Java Jack]

Re: Water and the Engine Block

Thanks Don,

Compression test should also reveal if there were a cracked block, right?

 

[QC]

Re: Water and the Engine Block

No ^^^^^ an external crack from freezing would not be indicated by a compression check. Either a water leak or water in the oil are the biggees.

 

[safiauto]

Re: Water and the Engine Block

it must be some water sitting on the block of the engine that normal but not a lot .. but if you pull the oil dipstick and you find chocolatemilk that the problem mean crock on the block

 

[Nebfarmer]

Re: Water and the Engine Block

Just a caution on checking for water contamination on the dipstick. I test drove my boat for an hour. I determined it had some fuel issues but no big deal. Oil looked good when we started and good when we finished. It was supposed to have fresh oil in it and it looked that way but I decided to change it anyway. It looked like crap. The dipstick doesn't go into the crankcase on my AQ470 just in the drain tube and will not show contamination. It will turn the oil white in 5 hours running. I'm going to just run it and change the oil after every use as it will only be a couple more times this summer and have a pro check it out this winter.

 

[Grub54891]

Re: Water and the Engine Block

Thedipstick does go into the oil,mabe just inside the tube but it still is in there. I've read this issue in a few different posts now. Now what I do is run it,pull the stick,motor off,blow down the tube to get the oil out of it,let it settle back in there. Re-check and if the oil is milky,now it'll be on the stick.
Grub

 

[Nebfarmer]

Re: Water and the Engine Block

excellent idea Grub. wish I'd have known of it sooner.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Water and the Engine Block

What exactly made you aware of water in the block?