Now this sucks!!! Bad news for my OMC 3.8L V6 :(

[Watercanuck]

Re: Now this sucks!!! Bad news for my OMC 3.8L V6

Hey Jeff,<br /><br />He checked the compression twice. Once when I wasnt there and then he called me over to the boat to show me the compression on all cylinders. All 5 were ok at 150psi but cylinder #1 was showing at 40psi<br /><br />Remember, on the plug wire for the cylinder with low compression the voltage meter was going nuts hooked up to that wire. I'm not sure if that has anything to do with anything or not...<br /><br />If I pull the plug wire while the engine is running couldnt the spark in the engine compartment cause a fire?

 

[jeff13601]

Re: Now this sucks!!! Bad news for my OMC 3.8L V6

If you have the motor cover opened and use insulated plyers it will be ok but if you are uncomfortable doing it you might better wait

 

[Watercanuck]

Re: Now this sucks!!! Bad news for my OMC 3.8L V6

The mechanic did more compression tests and has confirmed the problem is in the piston rings on that one cylinder. Only resolution to fix the problem is pulling the motor to get the piston out and probably sending it to a bore shop. Estimated expense $4000 to $5000 Canadian....<br /><br />This sucks <br /><br />John

 

[jeff13601]

Re: Now this sucks!!! Bad news for my OMC 3.8L V6

I think you need to get another estimate. Thats seems awfully expensive. You can drop a good used motor in for a lot less then that. I was looking at Rodbolts post and it does seem low for just a bad ring. You also say there is no oil blowing through. Should be somewhere else that you can go for a second estimate at that price

 

[Watercanuck]

Re: Now this sucks!!! Bad news for my OMC 3.8L V6

Hey Jeff,<br /><br />I didn't say no oil was blowing... In fact you know those two hoses that go from the rocker panel to the carb? Smoke is coming out of one of those hoses.<br /><br />I just found out that the price of $4000-$5000 is not just for engine rebuild. The hull appears to be rotted on one side. The motor shifts when excelerated because the motor mount bolts on one side pop out. The $4000 to $5000 is for complete rebuild of the engine and hull repair. The mechanic said just engine rebuild is $2500 (Canadian) but they dont do hull rot repair so he guessed at an added $2500 for that work should I find someone else to do the hull.

 

[jeff13601]

Re: Now this sucks!!! Bad news for my OMC 3.8L V6

I dont know a lot about hull repair except that it can get very costly. I know people here that do hull repairs and 2500 doesnt go far. Is a tempest wood or fiberglass? Sounds to me like a good winter project if it can wait. If the boat isnt sentimental to you, where I live 5000.00 in the off season buys a pretty good 20 ft boat. You going to fix or replace in the off season?

 

[Watercanuck]

Re: Now this sucks!!! Bad news for my OMC 3.8L V6

I think I am actually just going to sell it... I bought it for $6000 two weeks ago. I also have a 15' Bayliner Bowrider with a 50HP outboard that was just rebuilt last fall. I listed that in the auto trader so I'm thinking if I can get say $4000 for the bayliner and $6000 for the Tempest Cuddy I would be able to pick up a pretty nice boat for $10,000<br /><br />This time I'm having a mechanic look at the boat BEFORE I hand any money over...<br /><br />This really depresses me... I really love the boat...<br /><br />John

 

[Alexo1us]

Re: Now this sucks!!! Bad news for my OMC 3.8L V6

Originally posted by Jeff13601:<br /> John, I am wondering if possibly the mech made a mistake while doing the test. I would think that you would feel the weak cylinder. You say it runs great and planes quickly. Pull the plug wire while it is idling and see if you notice the diff in the sound of the motor. You may be worrying over nothing. Were you there when he did the test and if so did he double check it?

since your planing on running the boat anyway get yur self some plug wire tool and remove the wire. if it gets worse then chances are there is not something to worry about especially if she seems to be running right. I have always found testing and do it again if it dosn't look right to be the cheapest way to keep these old girls running. but I sure wouldn't be leaving the dock on less cylinder. if it already broke, being stuck in the middle of the lake knowing you knew it was before you left.<br />Then with all them eyes staring at you cause they know it too. Your the skipper and should know better..

 

[jeff13601]

Re: Now this sucks!!! Bad news for my OMC 3.8L V6

Maybe you can do some studying and do the hull yourself in the offseason and I believe you can get the motor fixed for less then 2500 if you check around

 

[cneste]

Re: Now this sucks!!! Bad news for my OMC 3.8L V6

Hello,<br /><br />I might suggest some marvel mystery oil in your oil and add some to your gas if I had the same problems you are having. Just my opinion.<br /><br />Chuck

 

[cneste]

Re: Now this sucks!!! Bad news for my OMC 3.8L V6

Hello,<br /><br />I might suggest some marvel mystery oil in your oil and add some to your gas if I had the same problems you are having. Just my opinion.<br /><br />Chuck

 

[jeff13601]

Re: Now this sucks!!! Bad news for my OMC 3.8L V6

I have something I would like to send you that might help

 

[Watercanuck]

Re: Now this sucks!!! Bad news for my OMC 3.8L V6

I've had atleast 6 mechanics tell me driving on 5 good cylinders with low compression in one cylinder wont cause any problems. It should only be a few times anyways and I wont be going far. The boat is going in trader.ca and their magazine on Thursday for sale. <br /><br />Jeff, email sent.

 

[Alexo1us]

Re: Now this sucks!!! Bad news for my OMC 3.8L V6

do ya ever get to bluffers park?

 

[Watercanuck]

Re: Now this sucks!!! Bad news for my OMC 3.8L V6

Hi Alex,<br /><br />Nope, boat is docked on Cooks Bay.

 

[Don S]

Re: Now this sucks!!! Bad news for my OMC 3.8L V6

I've had atleast 6 mechanics tell me driving on 5 good cylinders with low compression in one cylinder wont cause any problems.

It depends on why the compression is low as to the damage.<br />if it's stuck rings, stuck valve, hole in a piston, warped valve or something like that, it won't be a problem.<br />A broken ring would keep scratching and gouging the cylinder wall. A blown head gasket could cause erosion of the metal on both the head and the block. A head is pretty minor, but to loose a block so you could go fishing. Well, you get to be the one to set the priorities, and it'll be the next guys problem anyway.

 

[rickf1985]

Re: Now this sucks!!! Bad news for my OMC 3.8L V6

John, if you want to send me an e-mail I can tell you how I have repaired the motor mounts in several boats. My e-mail is rickf1985@comcast.net. I also lean towards the Marvel mystery oil, I have personally seen it work on stuck lifters. Be careful running it with the bad mounts. All the torque is being absorbed by the transom mount. Best case scenario is you just wear out the rear mounts, second best you break the bell housing, worst case, and I saw this happen on an older Checkmate, is you tear the transom mounting bracket loose from the transom. Think BIG HOLE in the back of the boat. <br />Rick

 

[jeff13601]

Re: Now this sucks!!! Bad news for my OMC 3.8L V6

John told me earlier that he is now getting a lot of oil in the cylinder. I would assume from a ring. Don,would it be possible for a head gasket to do that to?