Water in engine!!!! Hydrolock

[birdpiper]

1999 Volvo Penta, 4.3GL PWTR

I thought it was a starter problem. Called a mechanic, he said to pull one of the spark plugs and see if there was evidence of water. I pulled one of the plugs and water came gushing out!

I have been banging my head against the wall since then! I always intended to replace the manifolds as preventive maintenance, but never got around to it. I am of course assuming that it came in through a manifold.

I spoke with a mechanic and he reviewed my options. He said that usually the engine can be repaired as long as the water hasn?t gotten too deep (ie. past the cylinders). He talked me thru how to flush out the remaining water and squirt some CRC fluid into the cylinders. I am going to attempt that and get it over to the shop today.

I am going to see what the mechanic says after the diagnostic, but I will have some decisions to make. The boat is in fairly good shape ? I just had the drive rebuilt last season. Most external engine components have been replaced (pumps, starter, etc.).

My question is: Has anyone else gone through this? If so, how many more seasons did you get on the repaired engine?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Water in engine!!!! Hydrolock

1999 Volvo Penta, 4.3GL PWTR

I thought it was a starter problem. Called a mechanic, he said to pull one of the spark plugs and see if there was evidence of water. I pulled one of the plugs and water came gushing out!

I have been banging my head against the wall since then! I always intended to replace the manifolds as preventive maintenance, but never got around to it. I am of course assuming that it came in through a manifold.

I spoke with a mechanic and he reviewed my options. He said that usually the engine can be repaired as long as the water hasn’t gotten too deep (ie. past the cylinders). He talked me thru how to flush out the remaining water and squirt some CRC fluid into the cylinders. I am going to attempt that and get it over to the shop today.

I am going to see what the mechanic says after the diagnostic, but I will have some decisions to make. The boat is in fairly good shape – I just had the drive rebuilt last season. Most external engine components have been replaced (pumps, starter, etc.).

My question is: Has anyone else gone through this? If so, how many more seasons did you get on the repaired engine?

Ayuh,.... Saltwater, or Freshwater,..??

 

[birdpiper]

Re: Water in engine!!!! Hydrolock

Bond-o, Saltwater (Chesapeake Bay)

 

[The Revenge]

Re: Water in engine!!!! Hydrolock

Been there, got the t-shirt. Water came back through manifold after rapid shutdown. Motor runs fantastic two years later.
Pull all the plugs. Change the oil. Turn engine over as is, crc in cylinders fine. Make sure engine turns over or rotates smoothly. Put new plugs in, start the engine. Let warm up at idle. Change oil again and filter. I also changed oil and filter again about 20 hr later.
Hope that helps.

 

[birdpiper]

Re: Water in engine!!!! Hydrolock

The Revenge, Thanks for the response. I currently have it into a certified VP shop. I am probably going to have them replace the manifolds and risers regardless of what happens. I suspect corrosion. I have chased corrosion all over the cooling system, both pumps, thermostat housing, etc.

The good news is that when I removed the spark plugs and cranked the engine manually to flush it cranked well. I was suspecting that it might be seized.

 

[aerobat]

Re: Water in engine!!!! Hydrolock

The good news is that when I removed the spark plugs and cranked the engine manually to flush it cranked well. I was suspecting that it might be seized.

no worry- even in saltwater the engine will not seize that quickly . you may spray some protection oil in the cylinders. the most important is- get the engine quickly repaired and just run it for a longer period. if its a cracked manifold i do not think you will have any further damage on the engine.