Water Logged 4.3L in Dry Dock

[Erie-S-Cape]

I have no explanation on how it happened, but my starboard engine was completely full of water this spring. Now mind you that it was blocked-up & shrunk-wrapped. There may have been a few small holes in the wrap from rubbing on things, but no gushers. I realize it had to get in there somehow but I just can't see any indications. I am just absolutely perplexed, not to mention extremely sick to my stomach.
Anyway, I really would like to hear what some of you think. I pumped out all the water in my oil pan, must have been a little over 2 gallons. I put new oil & filter on, tried to start but starter just clicked. I was told by our mechanic at work that there is probably water in heads & water won't compress. He said to remove plugs & turn over by hand to get majority of water out & the turn over with key to finish off. He said I may get lucky.
Please, if anyone has any thoughts, let me know.

Erie-S-Cape

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Water Logged 4.3L in Dry Dock

Pepto-bismol for the stomach . . . tell us more about the engine, the winter layup, etc. You say blocked-up and shrink wrapped . . you mean the boat? Was the engine run at all this Spring, or was the water found upon removing the shrink wrap and commissioning for the season?

 

[Erie-S-Cape]

Re: Water Logged 4.3L in Dry Dock

The engine is my starboard engine in my 1988 270 Sea Ray Amberjack. The boat is blocked up at marina near Toledo, Ohio.
Here's the whole scoop, nothing sugar coated.
I last winterized in October of 2010. I added the recommend “Stabile” additive to both tanks. Shut down motors by pouring oil in carbs. Removed all drain plugs, making sure to clean out sediment. I disconnected all water hoses & poured antifreeze thru until it ran out of all drains. Come spring 2011 I went up, took off shrink-wrap, put in the drain plugs & hooked up all the hoses. I did not try to start yet as I was waiting on my (2) new outdrives I had on order. Got my outdrives and got put on but ran out of time/daylight & did not get chance to start. Had some family, kid issues, that prevented me from even using the boat the entire 2011 season. Went back up in October & checked things over but honestly can’t say I remember if I checked the oil or not. Shrunk wrapped & didn’t go back until this April 14th. Someone had slightly cut my shrink-wrap & got in & stole the handle off of my control. So the only thing I can figure is that how the shrink-wrap was cut, left the water come in just right to go into carb. I had left of the floor covers & the flame arresters just so air could circulate.
Boat is still on blocks.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: Water Logged 4.3L in Dry Dock

OK, my thoughts . . .

If the exhaust manifolds and risers were not drained, they could have developed a leak or something. Given that the engines are below deck and if they have the spark arrestor covers on them, I would imagine that rain water would not have a direct path to the carb/manifold.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Water Logged 4.3L in Dry Dock

So the only thing I can figure is that how the shrink-wrap was cut, left the water come in just right to go into carb. I had left of the floor covers & the flame arresters just so air could circulate.

Ayuh,.... That's plausible, 'n entirely possible....

I'd be pullin' the spark plugs, 'n findin' out whether yer needin a motor or not...

 

[Oshkosh1]

Re: Water Logged 4.3L in Dry Dock

I'm going with the water-in-carb theory. Don't see any other way that much water could get into it.

But more importantly...

If this damage was a result of the theft, then I would think that insurance would cover the cost...either yours or the boat yards(if it was "secure" storage).

I know it's "after the fact", but a possible avenue to explore and try an recoup some of the loss.

Good luck!

 

[Erie-S-Cape]

Re: Water Logged 4.3L in Dry Dock

Thank you all so much for your replies. Even though I'm not sure how things are going to come out, it sure makes me feel a little better to hear what others have to say. I've talked to my insurance adjuster & he is supposed to call me back on how they are going to proceed. He said I should have gotten a police report but I told him at the time all I knew about was the shifter & knew that it was worth less than my deductable of $500 so I didn't bother. I'm not sure how the police would look at the situation now. Guess I’ll find out. I still may end up doing some wrenching this weekend. I'm missing out on the spring walleye bite.

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Water Logged 4.3L in Dry Dock

Sorry to hear of your misfortune but if I read this correctly you leaft your rig uncovered for the whole season of 2011 and did'nt recover until Oct, ? If thats the case than the ampount of water you found in your crank case could have entered over that period of time through a seaping intake gasket, breather or through the water intake port from when your drives were off? Hopefully you get this resolved without to much financial burden and I would be have someone at your starage facility by the short ones for the theft. Good luck!

 

[dubs283]

Re: Water Logged 4.3L in Dry Dock

shrink-wrap was cut, left the water come in just right to go into carb. I had left of the floor covers & the flame arresters just so air could circulate.

thats where the water came from

call your insurance agent and claim the theft and damage