Hydro lock?

[pensacola]

I have been told that I have hydro lock. From what I hear to fix this I take out the spark plugs and turn the engine over. If water comes out then thats the problem. Is this true and will that fix the problem completely?

 

[Don S]

Re: Hydro lock?

They said you MIGHT have a hydro lock, pull the plugs and turn the engine over (By hand preferably) and see if water comes out of the cylinders.
I also asked about why you was messing with your timing in the other post.
If you boat in salt water, your exhaust manifolds, risers, extension, or the gasket surfaces between them may be compromised. They are at the end of their life in salt water.
When you shut off the engine, the water will leak out of the exhaust and leak into a cylinder with open valves. Bingo, hydrolock, and starter damage if you keep trying.

 

[pensacola]

Re: Hydro lock?

Wow that sucks. I only use it in saltwater. It sounds like what I have happening.

 

[Don S]

Re: Hydro lock?

If it is salt water, and you still have salt water still in the cylinders after several days, we call them junk here. You will be lucky if it turns over after a few days.

 

[pensacola]

Re: Hydro lock?

Thats the thing. Its been sitting for about a month and I went out there and tried it yesterday and it turned over.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Hydro lock?

The water in the cylinder(s) may have worked its way past the rings already allowing the motor to turn over..
check the plug tips for any rust and did any water come out the cylinder(s)?
You could check by pulling the drain plug in the pan and see if any water comes out too before you try to restart the motor. A oil change wouldnt hurt either.

 

[pensacola]

Re: Hydro lock?

I just had the oil changed shortly before it stopped working and there was no sign of water. I am definetely gonna check all cylinders anyway because I am running out of options. I have tried everything it seems. I am willing to spend the money I just want to get it fixed. When it runs it runs like a champ at 55 mph.

 

[Don S]

Re: Hydro lock?

When it's running, the water leakage isn't a problem, it gets blowed out the exhaust with the rest of the water coming out of the risers to cool the exhaust. It's when you shut the engine off that the problem occurs. Even if/when you get it started, it will miss for a bit till it clears the water out and the plug stats firing again. Then it smooths out and everything is fine.

 

[pensacola]

Re: Hydro lock?

So if its hydro-locked it would either have water in the oil or wouldn't turn all the way over.

 

[Don S]

Re: Hydro lock?

You could have 2 gallons of water in the oil and never hydrolock the engine. The water in the cylinders when they come up on the compression stroke is when you get a hydro lock, but that doesn't usually get water into the oil. The water doesn't compress like the air/fuel mixture in the cylinder. It like putting a block of steel in there. The piston comes up against it, and it stops. Like hitting a brick wall.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Hydro lock?

pm`d you

 

[Don S]

Re: Hydro lock?

pm`d you

What????? The rest of us can't hear your reply?????

That's not how forums work.

 

[pensacola]

Re: Hydro lock?

He just gave me his phone number.

 

[Bt Doctur]

Re: Hydro lock?

Sorry Don
He said that the oil was changed prior to the hydrolock, thats why he wont see it. After hydo occurs the water isnt in the oil yet, only if you let it sit and hope it dosent seize could the water get past the rings. on start up youd see milky oil , its why i said to change it first

 

[Don S]

Re: Hydro lock?

I've seen engine destroyed because of salt water in the cylinders. The rings prevent the water from draining into the oil, and even if it did allow a little past, a good run will burn the moisture out of the oil. The oil only gets milky when there is a LOT of water in the oil and more keeps coming as some burns off.

Dang, BT, I thought that was Pens reply.

 

[pensacola]

Re: Hydro lock?

Well I am gonna pull the plugs tomorrow. I am at the point where I hope I see water just so I no where the problem is. Its pretty sad when it comes down to that.

 

[Don S]

Re: Hydro lock?

Be thankful you stopped by early. Read this thread since you are going to be here for a while.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=234144

 

[pensacola]

Re: Hydro lock?

In a sick way that makes me feel a little better but not really. I hope I am not heading in that direction. I just want to be able to use my boat. Why does there have to be so many problems? I thought there were a lot of problems to be had with cars but boats are way worse. This is my first boat so I am learning a lot of expensive lessons.

 

[Don S]

Re: Hydro lock?

Keep your car in/around/or near salt water, and run it in low gear uphill at 4000 rpm for hours, with water running thru the parts for cooling, and trust me, that car wouldn't make it for a month. probably not a week.

 

[pensacola]

Re: Hydro lock?

Very right you are. Thats why its more expensive to fix a boat. That and its a luxury not a necessity. Even though right now I feel I NEED my boat.