Bayliner 2155 Ciera w/ 5L V8 - Won't turn over - Starter is fine.

[ryanhull76]

I've recently purchased an old boat from a friend. I didn't spend much, $1000 for the boat and a trailer.

The boat sat outside uncovered for 5 years. I'm not sure if it was properly winterized prior to storage. The deck seating is all shot (literally wood chips now) and I can't get the engine to turn over.

A little background.

1989 Bayliner 2155 Cierra
OMC 5L 4V v8 engine (I think this is a Chevy small block 305)

I've replaced both batteries and have checked the wiring connections. I'm only running on battery #2 (via the selector switch)

When I turn the key to position #1, I can turn on lights, blower fan, etc. No problems there. Even the fuel indicator shows the proper fuel level.

However, when turned to position #2, all I get is a loud clunk, (which sounds like the starter gear engaging) and no crank.

I've removed the starter and had it tested at the local auto parts store. It roared to life (albeit, with a large puff of rust and dust)

Question now is this. Where do I go from here? I've read a few things on here that mention a few in-line 50AMP fuses that could be causing the trouble, and someone else told me to get a socket and breaker bar on the crank-shaft pulley and see if I can manually turn the engine.

I've never turned an engine this way, nor do I know what position the engine is it, (i.e. compression stroke, etc) so I'm not sure if I'm going to break anything by trying.

Also, which direction do I turn it? If I'm looking at the engine from the front (i.e. staring at the pulleys, ) Which way to I turn?


Also, if the engine wasn't properly winterized, how do I tell if I've got a junk engine on my hands?

Any suggestions are welcome and appreciated.

Thanks!

Ryan

 

[Bondo]

Re: Bayliner 2155 Ciera w/ 5L V8 - Won't turn over - Starter is fine.

and someone else told me to get a socket and breaker bar on the crank-shaft pulley and see if I can manually turn the engine.

I've never turned an engine this way, nor do I know what position the engine is it, (i.e. compression stroke, etc) so I'm not sure if I'm going to break anything by trying.

Also, which direction do I turn it? If I'm looking at the engine from the front (i.e. staring at the pulleys, ) Which way to I turn?

Ayuh,... Pull All the sparkplugs, 'n Try it....

If ya wrench turn it, go clockwise..

 

[ryanhull76]

Re: Bayliner 2155 Ciera w/ 5L V8 - Won't turn over - Starter is fine.

Good idea with the plugs. I'll do that as well.
Also, I'm going to shoot a generous shot of PB in each cylinder and let it sit a day before trying to turn it to helpget things freed-up.

Also, when I pulled the starter, I noticed the little rubber plug on the bottom of the left heat-exchanger was still in place and had the clamp still on it. If I'm correct, that little plug is supposed to come off during winterization. So i'm guessing that it means this wasn't winterized properly, and who knows what else is wrong. I'm also going to check the dip-stick tonight and I'll let everyone know what it looks like.

Hey if all else fails, I can just sell the motor and outdrive on ebay for parts only, and part this whole thing out. I figure the trailer is still worth $500.

 

[ryanhull76]

Re: Bayliner 2155 Ciera w/ 5L V8 - Won't turn over - Starter is fine.

OK, I pulled the plugs and shot wd-40 in all the cylinders for about 10 seconds each. However, when I pulled the plugs, I noticed that the first cylinder on the left side of the engine. (I.e. if you're facing the front of the engine, the first cylinder on the left,) had water come pouring out of it. It was only about 3-4 ounces, but I'm betting that wasn't supposed to be in there. None of the other cylinders had water come out.

I'm going to let the wd-40 sit in there for about a week while I go on vacation and then try to turn the engine by hand with a breaker-bar. hopefully this works out well.

Any other ideas how that water got in there?

Also, when I pulled the dipstick, there was only oil on it, and no water / or milky color.

Thanks!

 

[Raystownboater]

Re: Bayliner 2155 Ciera w/ 5L V8 - Won't turn over - Starter is fine.

It's possible that if the boat was uncovered, and the intake valve was open, a good rain could have found its way into the cylinder. I think you may want to pull the outdrive off (if you havent already) just to isolate the issue to the engine; Buy a can or two of seafoam and fill up each cylinder and let that sit while you are on vacation. I've personally witnessed that stuff bring an engine back to life after being seized for years.