2.3L Ford Engine Problem

[RedRangerVIP]

I got a 1987 Ford 2.3L OMC Cobra setup. Mod#232AMFTC.<br /> I purchased the boat in July , but didn't have time to mess with it til now.<br /> The guy I got it from said he was tuning up the motor when it started to make weird noises so he shut it down.<br /> I checked the oil , and there is no oil on the stick , but there is water on the stick.<br /> I am new to I/O's.<br /> Any ideas or suggestions as to what to check for?<br /><br /> Thanks ,<br /> <br />Larry

 

[tommays]

Re: 2.3L Ford Engine Problem

cracked block<br />bad head gasket<br />bad manifold<br /><br />i dont think there is any good news because if the water has been there for any amount of time it has damaged the internal parts of the motor<br /><br />tommays

 

[RedRangerVIP]

Re: 2.3L Ford Engine Problem

It has not been running since April. Do I need to pull the Exhuast Manifold or what would you suggest?

 

[DJ]

Re: 2.3L Ford Engine Problem

Red Ranger,<br /><br />If water has been in the engine that long, the engine needs to come apart. The Ford 2.3 is a simple engine to overhaul.<br /><br />The water, most likely, came from these sources, in this order.<br /><br />1. Exhaust manifold.<br /><br />2. Head gasket.<br /><br />3. Cracked block.<br /><br />By the way, that engine is 128 hoersepower, not 185.

 

[tommays]

Re: 2.3L Ford Engine Problem

if you have pure water on the dip stick all season i think the motor is beyond repiar<br /><br />you can pump out what ever is there change the filter and put in fresh oil and try to run the motor but i will be suprized if it does anything but make the weird noise or worse than when you bought it<br /><br />tommays

 

[RedRangerVIP]

Re: 2.3L Ford Engine Problem

I did fire it up in August for just a sec or two. Do I have to use marine parts to rebuild this engine?<br /> Thanks guys!!

 

[DJ]

Re: 2.3L Ford Engine Problem

Base engine-no. Electrical parts, carburetion-yes.<br /><br />Make sure that you replace the core (freeze) plugs with stainless steel or brass. Also, use a marine block water pump.

 

[deputydawg]

Re: 2.3L Ford Engine Problem

I would guess that the reason the seller was tuning the engine is it was running bad. It was probably running bad because it had water intrusion. You will need to completely tear the engine down and check everything out. I would guess that it had been leaking for a while, you will be able to tell where the water came in at. Be sure to check for heat damage while the engine is apart. Don't be surprised if it overheated for the previous owner. <br />I would really wonder why there is no oil, but is water. Did the previous owner see the water, drain the oil to try to clear the engine of the water or did the engine blow losing oil letting water in. I wouldn't think sitting for that long would allow that much water in. Do you know and or trust the seller? I think there is a peice of this puzzle missing.<br />Lucky for you this engine is fairly cheap to rebuild as long as the block and heads are not cracked or warped. Be sure to have a machine shop check these for cracks even if you find the source of the water intrusion.If I was you, I would tear the engine apart checking for water damage as you go. Find the leak first and go from there. But you will definately have to get into the engine and check for damage.

 

[RedRangerVIP]

Re: 2.3L Ford Engine Problem

My great deal is turning into my money pit. Oh well. I really like the boat , so out to the garage I go.<br /> Thanks for all the help guys!<br />Larry

 

[deputydawg]

Re: 2.3L Ford Engine Problem

Let us know what the problem is, and good luck.