Still looking................

[joetheis]

I'll ask this on the Mercruiser section, only cuz I seem to look at more of this type of engine......
Last spring I got it into my head to "Build" the perfect fishing boat!
Get a hull in good shape, and go from there.
I looked at a few over the summer, but other projects, (house, truck, college bills) drained my "fun account".
Spring is right @ the corner and the search continues.
I know what I want to find, 18'-19' open hull, (Fiberglass-cuz it's easy to repair), with a 4 banger inboard motor set up, , simple, no frills deck, high water board, deep "V", a transom I can easily mount a gas trolling motor.
Onto the question.............
How can I tell if the P.O. has REALLY winterized the motor correctly, so I won't end up with a cracked block?? (more than a few I found this!!)
(Well, short of the tell tale rust crack, a plug popped out, a hunk of the block laying in the bilge)!
I was a service tech for Chrysler dealership for more years than I can to say, so I kinda sorta know mechanical "stuff", so I'm not going in "blind and stupid", (I THINK)!
You know the story, "Yeah, I winterized it", but you get it home and SH**!! head and or block is cracked
Is there a way to "pressure test" the block?
I want to pull the motor and renew it, but it has to be solid to start with!
Thanks!
Joe

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... A compression test will give ya an idea of the motor's general health,....

A coolin' cavity pressure test will tell ya if the block is cracked,.....

 

[joetheis]

Some owners will let you zip the plugs out and do a compression test, others.... not so much!
I had 2 that would not, so I figured they were hiding something, thanked them and left.
How can I do a coolant cavity test on a marine engine?
I can make up a plug with a fitting to put air in for the hose leading into the engine from the impellar, but unless I plug up both exhaust water ports, it won't hold PSI.
Again, some will let you wrench all day on their toys, others.........
If it were MY boat, I'd have the engine all ready to test and SHOW the buyer. This way it's ME on the wrenches and I KNOW what was done.....
Joe
What was that saying??? "Let the buyer beware"!!

 

[Bondo]

How can I do a coolant cavity test on a marine engine?

Ayuh,... Block, 'n pressurize the line from the impeller, 'n the line to the exhaust,....

 

[JustJason]

Some owners will let you zip the plugs out and do a compression test, others.... not so much!

Hire a mechanic with insurance...

 

[joetheis]

After close to a century of spinning wrenching, busting knuckles, I just can't see me "hiring" someone to do a inspection.
I know "WHAT", it's the " HOW" that has me.
Plus, many times, the "next project" is a good hit down the road, (sometimes that's the hardest part, try to see IF the trailer will make the trip)!!
So, to "hire" a REAL Marine Tech, pay him to sit in the truck with me,(pay him to smoke n joke down and back), to do a 1/2 check, may be MORE than the boat project, (if you can find one who would go)!!
Thanks!
Joe

 

[jbcurt00]

If you dont need a mechanic to do the inspection for you, whats the question again?

How not to get burned buying a used PROJECT boat, when all you get is a bare minimum look, no tearing into it before you agree to buy it?

As you say, caveat emptor

 

[JustJason]

After close to a century of spinning wrenching, busting knuckles, I just can't see me "hiring" someone to do a inspection.
I know "WHAT", it's the " HOW" that has me.

The mechanic has something you probably don't. Liability insurance. If the owner can not pull the plugs, and you go to pull the plugs yourself to do a compression test, and one of them snaps off, who takes care of that? That's why you do it.