A major setback

[Sean]

Well after 3 "sea trial" tests and leaving the boat with a well known shop for a week we set off Saturday morning for a once in a lifetime event with the ACBS.

The event had 115 registered woodies and 2 steamships that were to cover the historic 100 mile cruise on the big three Muskoka lakes.

We set off at 8:30 AM and progressed well in the floatilla for about 10 miles until my engine had overheated so bad I had to switch off. Very dissapointing as I had told the tech at the shop who had earlier checked for flow at the riser and told me not to worry about the gauge. The shop tested the boat several times (and charged me hansomly) while tinkering with a few minor issues not related to driveability.

At this point I'm not sure how much damage has occured and my boat is at another marina at the mercy of their techs.

Stay tuned.

Oh.... the other 114 boats (and 2 steamships) did just fine and the event raised over $8000 for cancer.

 

[nathan]

sorry to hear about the set back but it is a boat and they always seems to have some unless they are new.

 

[BosnBill]

So sorry to hear that Sean. What a disappointment.

If it makes you feel any better, I had my family ready to go cruising until I started my port engine to a shuddering sound and the smell of burnt rubber. In 5 minutes the engine was running at 200 degrees. I'm hoping it's just a fan belt or water pump, no engine damage and the risers and manifolds are okay, I hope.

Hoping all is okay on your end.

 

[Sean]

Okay so the Mercruiser 165 IL6 lives....
At least for now. Doesn't look like she was cooked too bad, risers and manifold seem good too. so far. Meaning that we are repairing instead of replacing at this point.

Looks like the metal sleeve in the impeller housing spun around and the off center hole let the water pressure (created by the impeller) bleed out at higher rpm. This left insufficient water flow through the engine causing the overheat condition.....we think.

Plan is to replace the impeller, housing gaskets, thermostst etc... give the engine a pressure test and compression test. Then if it all seems well, we'll give her another shot in the water.

Backup plan just might entail a 5.7/Alpha II swap over the winter. But those straight sixes have a reputation of being hard to kill. More to come....

PS the grand total raised for cancer on the event was $11,000.

 

[nathan]

awesome. glad to hear it was an easy fix with no major repair needed!

 

[Sean]

Okay, round 2....
With the outdrive rebuilt and a new thermostst, the big test run was today. Beautiful sky, warm temps, bright sun and a calm lake Muskoka who could ask for more....right?

Ran for about 10-15 minutes and the gauge was at 200 again! Pulled her down to dead slow and idled most of the way back as she cooled to 185ish. Then the motor coughed, ran rough and quit. A good samaratan towed us close to the pier where she fired up again to manuvre back to the ramp for trailer loading.

Changing the head gasket this time. Don't know where else to look. Only a couple weeks left so, if she still refuses a transplant may be looming.

 

[nathan]

sorry to hear that she is still giving you issues! that is part of the reason I lost the fuzzy feelings about my 72 century Coronado. every time I would fix something something else would go wrong. I never had the money to just redo everything from the ground up. good luck and I hope you get all the bugs worked out.

 

[Sean]

Thanks Nathan,
I'm commited here (or maybe should be commited) as over the past 4 years I have redone almost everything. The hull is new, many stringers, frames, transom, the interior, wiring, switches, battery, gauges....all new. hardware rechromed, new rub rail etc.

Now, I didn't neglect the powertrain. I had decided to stay original so, when the hull was being done I had the drive rebuilt and the motor serviced with new hoses, seals, gaskets etc ...everything I could without doing a re-build which seemed un-necessary. (so I was advised)

It's dissapointing to pour resources into every area and still have major issues. If I wasn't so upsidedown in this boat I might have just bailed on her. On the bright side she looks great and when running , is comfortable, easy to drive and handles great.
I'd just like longer than a 15 minute ride!

 

[Sean]

Round 3 today....
Out with a fresh head gasket. same overheating!

Have changed impeller, thermostat and head gasket. Now what?
Any ideas?????

 

[nathan]

do a good flush to make sure you do not have a blockage somewhere.

 

[JackSparrow]

Well after 3 "sea trial" tests and leaving the boat with a well known shop for a week we set off Saturday morning for a once in a lifetime event with the ACBS.

The event had 115 registered woodies and 2 steamships that were to cover the historic 100 mile cruise on the big three Muskoka lakes.

We set off at 8:30 AM and progressed well in the floatilla for about 10 miles until my engine had overheated so bad I had to switch off. Very dissapointing as I had told the tech at the shop who had earlier checked for flow at the riser and told me not to worry about the gauge. The shop tested the boat several times (and charged me hansomly) while tinkering with a few minor issues not related to driveability.

At this point I'm not sure how much damage has occured and my boat is at another marina at the mercy of their techs.

Stay tuned.

Oh.... the other 114 boats (and 2 steamships) did just fine and the event raised over $8000 for cancer.

Well at least the event was successful.

 

[Sean]

Update*** The BIG CRUISE event made $11,500 for cancer!!!!!

And yes, my boat is still broken. New manifold will be on today. Hope to test tomorrow.

 

[Sean]

New manifold and riser.... STILL OVERHEATS!
That's the sound of the fat lady singing for thid powertrain folks.

This motor is coming out and i will be instralling a 4.3/Alpha for next summer.

 

[nathan]

well that stinks but good luck on the swap!