Its a Sad Sad Day, possible cracked block?

[jakehorton15]

As some of you know ive been struggling getting my roommates 3.0 engine up and running after changing out my ignition for electronic ignition so I took it to our local boat repair shop and they got it timed and running for about 30 seconds and realized cylinders 3 and 4 had water sitting in there after it cut out. So they call me and let me know that its possible that the block or head is cracked. Now I dont believe the boat was properly winterized by the owner, he drained the block of water but never flushed they system with antifreeze. Im going to pick the boat up from the shop and take off the head myself to see what i can find. My question is with the block having been drained of water what are the chances that since the manifold was never drained or flushed it just being a cracked manifold allowing water into the cylinders or possibly a blown head gasket? Its such a shame after spending 6 months repairing and replacing all the stringers and floor, especially with such high quality materials..

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[alldodge]

If the block was drained and the manifolds were not, it is very likely the damage would just be contained to the manifolds. The manifolds would allow water into the cylinders and you may be able to get by. Do a compression test before you pull the heads.

 

[Maclin]

I agree with AllDodge, manifolds cracked = water in top of cylinder, block cracked = water in the crankcase

 

[Starcraft5834]

When u fix it..who ever is going to winterize it again dont bother with antifreeze. Just drain it completely...use air compressor to blow it out if u want. Air dont freeze. Antifreeze does..

 

[o'neal]

I do the-air don't freeze,just drain method and it's been working the last 2 winter's and it get's cold here in wyoming at times with no problem's.

 

[DaveG55]

Yall are right, air doesn't freeze. But I don't think that's the purpose of the antifreeze. Wet cast iron and steel will rust and corode. That rust, etc will flake off and can block some of the water passages, damage impellers and contribute to overheating. The antifreeze is there to help prevent that.
You can, of course, do as you wish. But my motor is 20 years old and still running like a top and I intend to do all I can to keep it that way. If nothing else this past winter is not worth risking a $5k motor over $50 in materials and an hour of time!

 

[Starcraft5834]

Cast iron does just fine emplty for long period of time.. the service manual for mine says nothing about pouring antifreeze in for long periods of storage.. dry storage is recommended.. that's what I do,, that's what I will always do.. , get a bad batch of "pink stuff" you get a new engine.. I dont get a bad batch of air

 

[DaveG55]

Mercruiser clearly says to use the "pink stuff" when winterizing. And they say it in several places, just check out their FAQ pages.
Not sure what you mean by a bad batch of the antifreeze, perhaps you could explain that a bit more.