Set out last weekend for a long trip on the Chesapeake Bay. About halfway through the trip experienced a loss of power from the engine. Was able to limp back to the dock at low speed. Hauled the boat out of the water and now have it on the trailer in the driveway. The engine oil changed to a beige ?milkshake? like consistency and discharged from the top of the engine and into the bilge.
From looking at other posts this appears to be a cracked head or failed gasket. I plan to take it to a mechanic in the next few days and have it diagnosed, but in the mean time I was wondering what could have caused this. I?ve had the boat for 13 years and always winterized it the same way with no issues. Also, its September and I?ve been using the boat all summer since putting it in. I feel like a winterization issue would have showed its self back in the Spring. There was no evidence of overheating. I replaced the impeller and thermostat at the beginning of the season.
A mechanic replaced the exhaust manifolds two seasons ago when water was getting into the cylinders.
Is taking apart the head gasket a big job? Does it require any special tools? I may give it a shot. I have done allot of external work on the engine (water pumps, thermostat housing, starter, etc.), but never attempted any internal work. I figure at the very least I can get it cleaned up for the mechanic.
1999 Volvo Penta 4.3GL PWTR
From looking at other posts this appears to be a cracked head or failed gasket. I plan to take it to a mechanic in the next few days and have it diagnosed, but in the mean time I was wondering what could have caused this. I?ve had the boat for 13 years and always winterized it the same way with no issues. Also, its September and I?ve been using the boat all summer since putting it in. I feel like a winterization issue would have showed its self back in the Spring. There was no evidence of overheating. I replaced the impeller and thermostat at the beginning of the season.
A mechanic replaced the exhaust manifolds two seasons ago when water was getting into the cylinders.
Is taking apart the head gasket a big job? Does it require any special tools? I may give it a shot. I have done allot of external work on the engine (water pumps, thermostat housing, starter, etc.), but never attempted any internal work. I figure at the very least I can get it cleaned up for the mechanic.
1999 Volvo Penta 4.3GL PWTR
