4.3 Mercruiser Tks trouble - Help!

[jay1929]

Ok, I'll start by saying I made a mistake. I'll take all the criticism due to me, but no one can beat me up more than I have myself.

I bought an 08 Mariah (10hrs on it) one month ago, and now discover that I have some engine trouble(s). First, I found oil (or some similar fluid) in the bilge area. Not sure if it's leaking during use or after. So, I carry it to a local place to take a look at it and winterize and the first thing they point out is that they manifold has JB weld on it. Apparently, the previous one owner had it repaired. Probably after he didn't properly winterize it.

The engine ran great, the only time I carried it out. However, the buzzer went off during our trip. I discovered that the power steering fluid was low, it was refilled, ran again (at friend shop out of water) and no alarm. Ok, I'm thinking I'm in good shape, but not so fast.

The oil doesn't appear milky nor does it "grow" during use. Actually, it loses some, I guess due to the leak.

The mechanic said it would be another week before he can get to it. He said he's just not sure without getting in there with it. Here are my questions:

1) What are the chances that the block is/has also been cracked?
2) What responsibility does the previous one owner have for NOT telling me that either the manifold / block are cracked?
3) Do you think the previously cracked manifold and leaking oil are related?

Personally, I'm praying for just having to replace the manifold and the mechanic having to tighten something loose up, but who knows.

Thanks,

Jay

 

[Don S]

Re: 4.3 Mercruiser Tks trouble - Help!

1) What are the chances that the block is/has also been cracked?

Was it leaking externally? Was there any JB weld on the outside of the block? If not, the block isn't cracked. The fact that there is no water in the oil means it's not cracked internally.

2) What responsibility does the previous one owner have for NOT telling me that either the manifold / block are cracked?

Well, this is a repair forum, not a legal forum so let's not get into that here. If you do want opinions from all the armchair lawyers here, then post that question over in the Dockside chat forum.

3) Do you think the previously cracked manifold and leaking oil are related?

Probably not, with 10 hours on the engine, it's not even broken in, and it will use oil until broken in properly.

 

[jay1929]

Re: 4.3 Mercruiser Tks trouble - Help!

Thanks Don!

The JB Weld is on the outside of the manifold. Very easily visible. I'll try and attach a picture, it's at the very bottom of the picture.

Someone else also told me that it would use oil till it was broken in, I just can't figure out why it's building up in the bilge area??

The mechanic, nor I, have looked further or deep enough to see if there are any cracks on the outside of the block. I guess it's bad either way, right?

Here in Alabama the winters are not so bad, even though we will get freezing weather for short periods of time. I'm not a mechanic, I'm actually a law enforcement officer (14 years). Needless to say, I should have had a mechanic to look at it BEFORE I purchased it. If that were me, I wouldn't be able to sleep at night knowing that I just ripped someone.

Jay

 

[Alpheus]

Re: 4.3 Mercruiser Tks trouble - Help!

I found oil (or some similar fluid) in the bilge area.

discovered that the power steering fluid was low

That fluid had to go somewhere.

I'm guessing that is what is laying in your bilge.

If the manifold was cracked from freezing it is very possible that your power steering cooler may have cracked also. This usually results to water leaking from the cooler but you never know...

 

[jay1929]

Re: 4.3 Mercruiser Tks trouble - Help!

Thank you sir for the response. I hope that it is something similar instead of a cracked block. I'm trying to keep a positive attitude.