Water in Cylinders- 95 Merc 4.3 LX

WillyT

Recruit
Joined
Aug 9, 2003
Messages
3
Two years ago, I ran into starter trouble, replaced the starter and had similar problems last year at beginning of season - another starter and then a ring gear. Still having problems - found water in some cylinders - Marina inspected and said exhaust manifold had a "heat" crack allowing water to seep down into cylinders after shutdown. We replaced the manifold. I ran it for or five times this year without problem. Running beautiful. Took it on holidays and ran it twice - third time it wouldn't start - checked plugs, 4 out of six were wet - pulled other 2 and pumped water out mostly on left side (cyl. 2,4,6) same side as manifold. Tried to start again but it wouldn't catch. Left it for a day and tried again, Pulled plugs before I tried and all 6 were wet. Turned it over and pumped water mostly from right side. My factory trained mechanics seem to be stumped. I'm going broke. Should I pull the engine and start looking for gasket problems?
 

McKenzie

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Apr 25, 2003
Messages
192
Re: Water in Cylinders- 95 Merc 4.3 LX

Your most likely going to have to replace the manifolds (unless you can get JB weld to work in this situation). To be safe, do a compression test to eliminate head gasket as the culprit.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,285
Re: Water in Cylinders- 95 Merc 4.3 LX

Have you ever had problems with "Dieseling", or run-on ????<br />What kind of boat is it in ????<br />If the motor sets Low in the hull, it can have an effect on the static line of the exhaust risers....<br />Sounds like the boat has had the problem for awhile... 2 starters,+ a ring gear....
 

WillyT

Recruit
Joined
Aug 9, 2003
Messages
3
Re: Water in Cylinders- 95 Merc 4.3 LX

I have never had any dieseling to speak of. <br /><br />The motor is in a Bayliner 2252 and does sit low. Is there some sort of flapper valve in the riser?
 

WillyT

Recruit
Joined
Aug 9, 2003
Messages
3
Re: Water in Cylinders- 95 Merc 4.3 LX

Boat has been in the water - sitting on a trailer right now.
 

Bondo

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Apr 17, 2002
Messages
71,285
Re: Water in Cylinders- 95 Merc 4.3 LX

The Shutters, or Flappers are just below the risers.... They are mainly for Backwash....<br />You also need atleast 13.5" from the waterline outside the boat , to the bottom of the risers inside the boat..... <br />If your motor sets Too Low, water will seep/run into the cylinders...<br /><br />I'm Not saying This is Your Problem..... But ???
 

Boatist

Rear Admiral
Joined
Apr 22, 2002
Messages
4,552
Re: Water in Cylinders- 95 Merc 4.3 LX

I would also check he risers as they fail just as much as the manifolds.
 
Top