what to do if a cylinder blows

[rednight]

Just curious.... If you're under way, and you throw a rod, bust a ring, pop a head gasket... can you still get home? <br /><br />And what's the best way? Would you want to disable the spark plug? Remove the plug? <br /><br />The question came up in my mind when my parts dealer gave me an odd look when I picked up a bunch of parts for my '79 115hp. She told me "every extra day with it was a gift." I asked her what kinds of things happened. She mentioned cylinder walls rusting through and letting water in....<br /><br />Just curious....

 

[JB]

Re: what to do if a cylinder blows

When there is a catastrophic failure like that, Rednight, shut her off, even if she is trying to continue running. <br /><br />Running will surely cause more damage and maybe turn a repairable engine into junk.<br /><br />Time for a kicker, oars, paddles, troller or tow.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[alcan]

Re: what to do if a cylinder blows

Hi Rednight<br />All engines will fail at some point and to some extent. The age of the engine really doesn,t make much differece. A new motor can fail as much as an older one. Preventive maintance and monitoring the condition of your rig can help tip the odds in your favor, this is still no gaurentee. When ever your boating it is prudent to have some back-up plans in case of a failure. This is something every skipper needs to think about before shoving off. As J.B suggested, you may want a kicker motor,oars,a radio or cell phone, along with the Coast Gaurd required stuff. So long as you have done your home work, and maintained your equiptment, use it with out worry and have fun. A 1979 model 115hp OMC motor is not really all that old in outboard years.

 

[Hooty]

Re: what to do if a cylinder blows

My back-up plan iz a long tow rope, Rednight. Like JB and alcan said, it's good to have a back-up plan but in real life ya do whatcha gotta do. <br /><br />c/6<br />Hooty

 

[OBJ]

Re: what to do if a cylinder blows

My backup plan is to scream to Blue Blazes and hope someone will hear. Seriously though...even on the Mighty Ohio, I always have some kind of plan in case the engine goes south. Weather it be a way just to get to shore or a kicker....have a way to let someone know your in trouble or have a standby source of motive power. Just makes darn good sense.