maiden voyage blues

[mac=bean]

1992 Four Winns Horizon 18 w/ 3.0 omc cobra. I purchased this as a fixr upper. After a year,I finally was ready (I thought) for the water. Engine started fine ,water temp & oil pressure ok,I headed out. all was well for 20 minutes ,then I heard a change in the sound, almost muted, oil pressure ok, but the temp gague dropped to 100 degrees. I opened the engine hatch, and found 8 " of water in the stern. It was coming out betwen the engine block, and the stern drive housing. The flow stopped when I shut off the engine. any ideas ??

 

[tpenfield]

Re: maiden voyage blues

My idea is that a core plug in the engine block let loose.

 

[Bondo]

Re: maiden voyage blues

My idea is that a core plug in the engine block let loose.

Ayuh,... Agreed,... At some point, it wasn't winterized properly, 'n the core plug, behind the flywheel popped out...

 

[ccsears1981]

Re: maiden voyage blues

I have the OMC 2.3 which from the few times I have seen the 3.0 it is setup similiar. It could be the freeze plug on the back of the engine like what was mentioned. Not hard to replace nor is it expensive. I would fire it back up and look to see if water is coming out of it. Also another place if the 3.0 is setup like my 2.3 is the hose that delivers water to the engine comes threw the transom which is in the same location your water is coming from. I would check to make sure the hose is still good and the clamp is tight. If its neither one of those then it may be a cracked block.

 

[mac=bean]

Re: maiden voyage blues

The freeze plugs on the side of the block are intact, but this was the first thing I thought of. ccsears 1981 stated the rear freeze plugs are easy to replace. Does this involve removing the engine or the outdrive ?
The hose seems to be intact.

 

[Bondo]

Re: maiden voyage blues

The freeze plugs on the side of the block are intact, but this was the first thing I thought of. ccsears 1981 stated the rear freeze plugs are easy to replace. Does this involve removing the engine or the outdrive ?
The hose seems to be intact.

Ayuh,... He don't know what he's talkin' 'bout...

The core plug in question is Behind the Flywheel...

So,... Yes, the drives gotta come off, 'n the motor, atleast lifted, 'n moved forward to get at the flywheel...

 

[ccsears1981]

Re: maiden voyage blues

As I stated Bond-o I have the 2.3 not the 3.0 so there may be some differences. My rear plug I can see and get to with no problem.

 

[Don S]

Re: maiden voyage blues

As I stated Bond-o I have the 2.3 not the 3.0 so there may be some differences. My rear plug I can see and get to with no problem.

The 2.3 is a Ford, and the 3.0 is a GM. They have absolutely NOTHING in common. So comparing them is a waste of time and confusing.

 

[ccsears1981]

Re: maiden voyage blues

You know I realize this but thought I would offer some knowledge that might help the guys out.

 

[mac=bean]

Re: maiden voyage blues

Thanks, time to learn how to remove an engine, luckily it's a 4 banger. NEVER buy a boat from a friend. "Oh sure, It just needs a little work "

 

[Don S]

Re: maiden voyage blues

NEVER buy a boat from a friend.

No, NEVER buy a boat that you haven't taken a test run in to make sure everything is ok, and NEVER believe the seller. They only want to make your money theirs and be rid of the boat.

 

[HT32BSX115]

Re: maiden voyage blues

The freeze plugs on the side of the block are intact, but this was the first thing I thought of. ccsears 1981 stated the rear freeze plugs are easy to replace. Does this involve removing the engine or the outdrive ?
The hose seems to be intact.

Understand that those "Freeze Plugs" are really "Freeze-Damage indicator" plugs.


When you get it back together, you should pressure check the cooling system.

I would do the pressure check with the engine out of the boat so you don't have to "pull" it a second time to replace it.

 

[sam60]

Re: maiden voyage blues

The 2.3 is a Ford, and the 3.0 is a GM. They have absolutely NOTHING in common. So comparing them is a waste of time and confusing.

Much kinder statement than "He don't know what he's talkin' 'bout..."

If that rear casting plug goes out in mine, it's pull them both. But shouldn't happen if I follow the low point drain procedure stored in my head.