ApachePete

One of mine (the one with the bad starter) has recently been making a very loud "hissing" noise when it is started cold. The noise appears to be coming from the intake plenum, and sounds somewhat like a blow-torch.

After 5-10 minutes, when the motor warms up, the noise stops. The engine seems to run fine then, although I've noticed that the oil pressure is now 10-15 pounds less than it used to be.

I'm wondering if it's possible for an injector to "stick', and if the reduced oil pressure could be a symptom of gas diluting the oil (although it looks and smells fine).

Any ideas?

After 4 years and 300 hours with zero problems, I guess my luck has run out. I blew a Bravo drive (the other side from the engine problem), and just got the boat back yesterday (with new XR upper gears) when the starter and "noise"/low oil pressure developed.

ApachePete

ttt

apache41

As they used to tell me when I blew my first drives (yes, I blew them both):

"Welcome to the world of offshore boating!"

It is an expensive hobby.

So: 4 years, 300 hours with Zero problems on an Apache is quite an achievement. See it positivly!

I would give the engine to service - I don't think an injector can "stick".

wannabe

The hissing sound is probably a vacuum leak that goes away when the engine warms up which means a gasket is travelling due to metal warming up and expanding/contraction. I would have a qualified mechanic review and the vacuum gauge will tell the story.

Wannabe

ApachePete

The boat I've had the terrific luck with is my Formula 382 with HP500efi's, not an Apache.

I never had luck like that with either of my Apaches, unfortunately. That's the main reason for getting the Formula: I simply got tired of limping home on one motor 3 or 4 times a summer.

ApachePete

Thanks.