Ford 351 V8- OMC 800 needing a priest

[ScoobyDoodyDoo]

I am trying to bring back to life the engine in a neglected boat. The engine last turned over without a problem in 2002. In its last time out, I believe the boat took on some water and a lot of the engine came in contact with saltwater. It was flushed out and hosed down immediately after but was never used since then. <br />Looks like the alternator has seized for sure. When I try to hear if the engine will turn over, I can hear the relay click but the starter does nothing (I tried bridging the solenoid). That is about as much as I know to do. <br />How can I tell if the engine has seized before I spend the money on a new starter? Also, can I check for cracks in the block just by running water through the system and see if any leaks into the hull?<br />Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Pilot954]

Re: Ford 351 V8- OMC 800 needing a priest

First, I would pull the dipstick and see if it actually got into the engine, (milky colored oil, unusually high oil level) if its OK then i would take all the spark plugs out and try to turn it over by hand. The best way to do this is to take the starter out and use a large screwdriver to try to turn the engine over by prying on the flywheel teeth. You can try to put a socket on the front balancer but you can snap the bolt if you try too hard. You can check the starter on the ground by hooking up jumper cables to the starter (Neg to the case, Pos to the Large solenoid stud) then jumper the post as you did before. CAUTION!!! The torque if it turns over will try to spin it out of your hands, Its best to put it in a vise. Hope this helps.<br />Happy Boating!!

 

[ScoobyDoodyDoo]

Re: Ford 351 V8- OMC 800 needing a priest

Thanks for the info, much appreciated. Now I know what I will be doing next Sunday too!<br /><br />Thanks