Water in 4.3L Oil Pan !!!

[Volphin]

Hi all,

I have an 89 4.3L Mercruiser Alpha 1 non vortec. I always change the oil before the season starts, but coaching baseball this year means I'm just now getting to it.

The boat is kept in a heated garage in the Winter. So I never bother to drain the block. Been fine for over 10 years. This time however, I went to drain the oil and I noticed water coming out of my tube draining system first. Uh, oh. I never start the engine before the change of oil. THe dipstick was not milkshake city. Clean oil. It was also fine when I put it up for the winter. Where could this water have come from? Manifold? Head gasket? IDK?

Pretty positive the block is OK, as the low was only 40 degrees before she went into storage. Any thoughts on inspection and testing would be greatly appreciated. I have noticed some rust on the intake manifold head mating surface on the left rear bank.

It is a 4.3L with 4bbl Edelbrock Marine Carb, Edelbrock intake, Hardened pushrods and Crane 1.7 RRs.

Thanks in advance for your help.

V

 

[dubs283]

Re: Water in 4.3L Oil Pan !!!

the only way to find out if the block is cracked is to either pressure test it, or fill it with oil and run it - you will know if the engine is "making" oil once it warms up

how much water did you get out??

 

[Volphin]

Re: Water in 4.3L Oil Pan !!!

Thanks for the reply Dubs283. No way to tell yet. I will be putting the oil in a clear container and estimating it from there. I have a Fumoto valve and clear hose that runs out of the drain plug hole directly into my sealed drain pan. Makes it quick and easy. You can also see the condition of the oil on the way out. Hence my alarm. LOL

V