Mtl-Diesel
Petty Officer 3rd Class
- Joined
- Mar 15, 2019
- Messages
- 91
Hey folks! New to the forum. Learned so much already!
Here's my problem: 1984 Baja Islander 180 with a mercruiser 140 Alpha I
Was out on Friday after several other outings this summer when all of a sudden, the engine changed sound and then a very loud knocking could be heard. I shut her down immediately to open up the cowling to inspect. Oil was good, nothing visible. Turned her over to see and even during the cranking, the knocking was present. Managed to flag a fellow boater down for a tow to the nearest dock.
I have done ALL of the necessary maintenance including changing over to a Petronix system replacing the old points. Boat was running like a top all summer until Friday. She idles beautifully, accelerates strong, cruises without batting an eye. We were having a great summer! Have had the boat 3 years now and was a gem when I bought it. No rot. A little attention to the seating and a good wet sand and polish and she looks like a....well 10 year old boat and not a 35 year old boat! ;-)
I tested the compression and have a strong 125psi on all four. Took the valve cover off expecting to see a bent/broken rod and it looks brand new under. Everything appears to be normal. Rods spin just slightly but none appear bent. Certainly not enough to cause the knocking I am getting. I'm at a loss here and hoping y'all can give me some direction.
Thanks in advance!!
Here's my problem: 1984 Baja Islander 180 with a mercruiser 140 Alpha I
Was out on Friday after several other outings this summer when all of a sudden, the engine changed sound and then a very loud knocking could be heard. I shut her down immediately to open up the cowling to inspect. Oil was good, nothing visible. Turned her over to see and even during the cranking, the knocking was present. Managed to flag a fellow boater down for a tow to the nearest dock.
I have done ALL of the necessary maintenance including changing over to a Petronix system replacing the old points. Boat was running like a top all summer until Friday. She idles beautifully, accelerates strong, cruises without batting an eye. We were having a great summer! Have had the boat 3 years now and was a gem when I bought it. No rot. A little attention to the seating and a good wet sand and polish and she looks like a....well 10 year old boat and not a 35 year old boat! ;-)
I tested the compression and have a strong 125psi on all four. Took the valve cover off expecting to see a bent/broken rod and it looks brand new under. Everything appears to be normal. Rods spin just slightly but none appear bent. Certainly not enough to cause the knocking I am getting. I'm at a loss here and hoping y'all can give me some direction.
Thanks in advance!!
