I give up.

[CraigBarnard]

Okay just about ready to give up on this project.

I think I have the shift cables adjust ok then I move on to adjusting the timing.
Set the timing but noticed a bad backfire when trying to rev up the engine.
So I decided to install the pointless ignition update to see if that would help.
Piece of cake to install. Runs much better but still had a minor stumble and backfire but at least I can rev it up without stalling it now.
However thats when I notice a lot of white smoke pumping out the prop. Look at temp guage which up till now was steady in the middle. Its overheating.

I am pretty sure its going to be a head gasket.

I cant win!

 

[Don S]

Re: I give up.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=220416

 

[CraigBarnard]

Re: I give up.

oops, i did intend to put that info down first.

Its a 1965 Starcraft Cheiftain with a 120 Mercruiser
Thats about all I know.



Maybe a picture will help?

 

[Don S]

Re: I give up.

What about the impeller, thermostat, plugged exhaust elbow or manifold. There is a lot of things to cause an overheat other than a head gasket.
Leakdown tests, and pressure testing the blocks cooling system can verify or eliminate the head gasket.

 

[CraigBarnard]

Re: I give up.

What about the impeller, thermostat, plugged exhaust elbow or manifold. There is a lot of things to cause an overheat other than a head gasket.
Leakdown tests, and pressure testing the blocks cooling system can verify or eliminate the head gasket.

Overheating yes, could be caused by a number of components.
However I would think that once you see white smoke coming out of the prop, its the head gasket. Water entering the exhaust from a torn head gasket.

I cannot think of another cause of white smoke

I guess I am going to have to dig deeper into this engine and replace the impeller and head gasket, T-stat etc.

I was really hoping my biggest challenge here was to make it run.
That was easy. Did not expect all these other problems.

 

[Don S]

Re: I give up.

I cannot think of another cause of white smoke

I can. It's probably steam, not smoke.

 

[CraigBarnard]

Re: I give up.

Okay replace the T-stat and the impeller.
Checked compression and its good just under 150psi. Timing is dead on. Have also tried it slightly advance and retarded.
Changed fuel filter.
Fuel pressure good. 4-6 psi
Same results.
Still overheats within a few minutes.
Also dies as soon as you take it off idle.
Going to a boat mechanic tomorrow.