Could I have been driving around with this?

[nola mike]

Found a broken valve spring at the end of last year. Finally getting around to replacing it. Any chance that this could have been going on for a while? The boat was running ok all last year--I did notice that it was having a hard time pulling me out of the water when skiing, but chaulked it up to a carb problem (it's missing a bit when accelerating). Just curious if it's possible to run with a broken spring/shield without having a catastrophic failure.

 

[26aftcab454]

Re: Could I have been driving around with this?

I'm not an engine guy but COOL BOAT!

 

[etracer68]

Re: Could I have been driving around with this?

Yes, you can run with broken spring, and shield, and would likely cause your issues. As long as the valve locks (keepers) dont let go the valve will stay in place, once they let go, valve drops, hits piston, not good. I would be looking at pulling the heads and doing a complete valve job, if it were mine. Also if the spring completely lets go, then too, the valve can hit the piston, just not a good situation.

 

[mxcobra]

Re: Could I have been driving around with this?

with that luck go by a lottery ticket, good thing you found it before youre pistons did!!!

 

[joewithaboat]

Re: Could I have been driving around with this?

Count yourself lucky, they usually work themselves loose and drop the valve... wammo!! Lots of broke parts. Last one i worked on wiped out the head, block, piston, rod... it was a mess.

 

[nola mike]

Re: Could I have been driving around with this?

Gross. Between that and having had a leaky riser last winter that luckily didn't make it past the exhaust valve (only damage was a new valve and bent pushrod), I've dodged a bullet twice. Wonder how long my luck will last...