Help -why did this happen ?

[Cool It]

Hey guys <br /><br />Had a problem on the water today. I have a 1988 5.0 mercruiser alpha one. It has been running great all season. today I was cruising back from fishing running at 3200 rpm about 24mph when all of a sudden I heard a couple of big bangs sound like I guess -backfire and then it stalled - tryed to restart sounded like it was flooded. it would not start so I anchored and let it sit for about 20 minutes and then it started and ran no problem. went back to dock - will run tommorrow but Im afraid to go to far if there is some problem-- also one last detail it was very rough and alot of water was coming over the bow and splahing down on the stern deck . can that have run into the engine and caused this - I dont have a clue -- need help!!!!!<br /><br />Oh just to let you know oil pressure looked fine and temp gauge was right on.<br /><br />Thanks<br />COOL IT

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Help -why did this happen ?

You might want to pull the plugs and have a look. They should all look the same, and if not, post again. Any that have the carbon gone and shiny clean would indicate water intrusion. But it could have worked its way through, and no problem.

 

[Cool It]

Re: Help -why did this happen ?

Hello<br /><br />just looking for any other input that might help<br /><br />Thanks-- Cool It

 

[Cool It]

Re: Help -why did this happen ?

well its raining here today so I cannot continue to check the status of this problem but I would like the input as to what to look at for a possible solution before I have to bring to a mechanic . thanks guys I always appreciate your Help!!!<br /><br />Cool IT

 

[JFLS40]

Re: Help -why did this happen ?

Water getting into the engine and causing it to bang and stop is called "hydrolock" I did it in my jeep wrangler going through a deep waterhole and the dodge dealership pulled head off and told me, yep, shiny as a spoon, means you got water in there. wasn't covered, and to my amazement, State Farm paid 4,500 for a new engine...

 

[JFLS40]

Re: Help -why did this happen ?

the water ran into the air breather and cracked one of the pistons.

 

[DJ]

Re: Help -why did this happen ?

OUCH!

 

[JFLS40]

Re: Help -why did this happen ?

I had someone tell me once that they took a brand new 4 wheel drive through the water and hydrolocked it, messed up the engine, they took the truck home and spent hours washing the underside with a hose, brushing every part of the frame to get rid of mud and any debris that would indicate it had been in the water, mudding, etc... I guess the dealer bought his story (I don't know what happened-it just froze up and broke...) and it was covered by warranty... dealer couldn't find any signs of mudding...

 

[DJ]

Re: Help -why did this happen ?

I call that-FRAUD.

 

[JFLS40]

Re: Help -why did this happen ?

no doubt, I can guess the dealer knew what happened, just couldn't prove it.

 

[Cool It]

Re: Help -why did this happen ?

Thankjs for the stories but I think I found the problem I noticed the coil wire was arching, as soon as I touched it the engine stalled -- so I am hoping that is what happened out on the water -I will replace and test. Does this sound like a good possibility as to the problem?<br /><br />Cool IT

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Help -why did this happen ?

You touched an arcing coil wire? <br /><br />Sounds like a possibility to me. And your testing method sounds rather electrifying.

 

[jlshields]

Re: Help -why did this happen ?

Cool It, I used to have a '90 Celebrity with 5.0 Alpha 1. It had a wiring harness that ran on top of the intake manifold right next to the carb on the starboard side. Exhaust passage on intake gets hot enough to melt the insulation causing a short. Might want to check yours and head off a problem.

 

[MH9371B]

Re: Help -why did this happen ?

I had practically the same thing happen to me. I replaced all of the spark plugs and that seemed to clear the problem up.

 

[Cool It]

Re: Help -why did this happen ?

Thanks For all the input guys - along with changing the coil wire I guess I should change the plugs but how do you get to them when they are underneath and not on top like a car. ?? <br /><br />Thanks<br />Cool It

 

[Cool It]

Re: Help -why did this happen ?

Changed the coil wire today- seems to be runing fine- still would like to change all wires and plugs but very difficult to get to them?<br /><br />cool it