cam / lifter problem

[shanksams]

I'm new to this forum so please excuse any screw ups. I've recently purchased a 22' cruiser with GM 228 hp 305 V8. The boat had sunk in 4 feet of water because of heavy rains over a period of 3-4 weeks. The prior owner told me once he was notified the boat was sitting on the bottom he immeadiately went and got the boat out of the water, dried it out, drained the engine of oil / water and refilled, ran, drained, refilled, ran, drained, etc. The boat then sat for months while he was having the upholstery re covered. The boat actually sat for months until I bought it. When I got it I attempted to turn the motor over with the starter, it wouldn't turn over. I removed the top of the motor to get a look at the heads, cylinders, rockers, etc. Once the top of the motor was off I noticed 2 cylinders had light rust which I removed with penetrating spray and a plastic kitchen scouring pad. The motor now spins freely. In turning the engine over (by hand) I noticed one lifter does not travel out as far as the rest, actually, moves very little. I pulled the lifters out and they all look okay with the exception if the lifter that moves very little. I can't get that lifter out! I assume that I have a problem with that lifters cam lobe and maybe the bottom of that lifter is burred up and being prevented from clearing the bottom of the lifter cylinder....But, I am no mechanic and bought the boat as a project. Any advise or simular problems and how you delt with them would be greatly appriciated.

 

[Walt T]

Re: cam / lifter problem

It's probably 'shroomed. Need a lifter puller to get it out. Wouldnt doubt that the cam has a problem. The motor is most likely junk in my opinion. I suggest pulling it and overhauling/replacing it. <br />I know its too late but sunk boats are not good deals.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: cam / lifter problem

The best thing to use to get the lifter out is to buy the tool that is specially designed to pull lifters out. I have done it without the tool, but it is MUCH easier with the right tool. The good news is, it is an inexpensive tool. Just go down to the local auto parts store and you can buy one there. It will go into the top of the lifter and expand, then you can yank as hard as you can to get it out. (Actually, I have found a combination of pushing it in and pulling it out works best, as opposed to just trying a constant pull. You can also buy new lifters while you are at it - again, they don't cost much money.)<br /><br />This doesn't answer the question as to whether or not the engine is "toast" but if you just have light rust, and no scoring, etc, I would think you would be okay. Have the valves checked while the heads are off.

 

[LubeDude]

Re: cam / lifter problem

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but your cam is toast! If the lifter is flatened out and you cant remove it, then that lobe on the cam is gone! The fact that it seemed that the lifter didnt move as much as the other conferms this! the rest of the engine may be fine as the cam is the normal thing that destroys its self from rust! Not a bad thing to replace as its all done from the front of the engine! Buy all new lifters and use a Marine replacement! Follow the cam manufactures recomendations for break-in!<br /><br />Oh, and welcome to the board! Keep posting, You will find all the help you need right here!

 

[shanksams]

Re: cam / lifter problem

Thanks guys. Even if the motor is shot (which I don't think it is ) I'm still in good shape. The boat itself is in great shape with new upholestry and the trailer is worth more than I have in the whole rig. I only paid $500.00 for boat / motor and trailer. As I mentioned , it is a project. I don't know if the lifter / cam problem was caused by rust. From looking through the oil gallery drainage hole right at the cam lobe in quetion it looks to be bright and shiney. I thought I might put a little oil on the end of a plastic rod, insert it through the oil hole, hand turn the motor and see if I can tell if it is riding up on the lobe. If I can't feel it riding up I guess I need to pull the motor and then the cam to inspect. If I go to that point I will have a machine shop inspect the cylinders and hone if needed. I do indeed intend to have the heads / valves checked while they are off the engine.

 

[ndemge]

Re: cam / lifter problem

If you've got to pull the motor... I'd go ahead and tear it down and do a complete rebuild.<br /><br />boil out the block, check the heads, mic it, and if all is good, reuse the pistons and just re-ring and put the thing back together.<br /><br />pull up any of the floor to inspect? ..... how much water being held...<br /><br />sounds like a great project for what you have invested in it.

 

[Bondo]

Re: cam / lifter problem

For What it would Cost to Rebuild a 305,<br />You Could Buy a Ready to Go Long-Block 350cid......<br />A GM GoodWrench Truck Motor......<br />Change the Freeze-plugs,+ GO.....<br /><br />Look at it as Free HorsePower.........

 

[shanksams]

Re: cam / lifter problem

Wow...thanks for all of the great feedback! I've got my wife picking up the tool to remove the lifter as I write this, seems I don't even have to buy it, our local auto parts store has a speciality tool loan program! I feel certain I will have to pull the engine. There is not enough clearence to pull the cam out with it in place (or would it be easier to remove the fuel tank?)<br /><br />I did cut a hole in the floor to check for standing water. I was happy to find very little which I believe came from recent rains. I pumped the water out, gave it a little time to evaperate dry (I'm in Florida, it's warm here) and them probed for any soft spots. I was happy (and amazed) to find none as far as my arm could reach! <br /><br />Since I will probably have to pull the motor I will indeed take the advise of you knowledgeable boaters / mechanics to have the block / heads checked or delt with, replace wearing parts such as bearings, rings, etc. and of course replace the cam and lifters. As suggested by one poster here I will check to see the cost difference between the work I have mentioned and purchasing another motor.<br /><br />I know I will have many other questions as I pursue this labor of love which I will post to this forum. I want to thank all who have replied, and to thank in advance all that will reply!