Engine dies when put in Reverse

[sinkrswim]

I would like to appologize upfront in advance if this has been covered by someone in the past.
I am an new boat owner of an old boat. It is a 1983 Beachcraft with a Mercruiser 185 HP 229 CI I/O. Yesterday was the first time it had been in the water since it was purchased. My son and husband just replaced the exhaust manifolds and ran it with the mufs for about 30 minutes before taking it out. Oil looked fine. They launched and ran without the plug, came close to sinking. To make a long story short, we went out today with the plug in place this time. Ran for about 10 minutes. Engine started getting a little bit of a knock. The oil was getting milky, so we went home. I would like to know if the water in the oil could be from something they did yesterday when they took on water or if it is likely something more serious.
We also have one other problem. When the boat is put in reverse the engine dies. Any comments or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Engine dies when put in Reverse

The engine killing in Reverse is likely to be a cable adjustment or a stiff cable between the motor and drive. The milky oil is likely to be from water getting in when they nearly sank it. The knock is another ominous indicator. When water gets in the crankcase, it settles to the bottom of the oil pan. The oil pump pick-up is there. So if water got in and wasn't removed before starting the motor, the oil pump pumped water instead of oil for a bit. That could've caused one or more crankshaft bearings to be damaged and that could be the source of the knock. I'd advise taking it to a boat mechanic and have him spend an hour evaluating the situation.

 

[sinkrswim]

Re: Engine dies when put in Reverse

I really appreciate you taking the time to answer my questions. I was concerned about the dip the boat took on Saturday, but my husband has just been so anxious to get on the water, that he did not want to take the time to check things out. I agree with you on taking it into have it looked at, but he will probably decide to do a couple oil changes and run it to see if it gets any more water in the oil before taking it in.