nascar_crazy

Bought a 88 Baja 280 last summer used it once. Both motors (TWIN 454's) were rebuilt 10 hours before I bought it. Had the boat winterized and found a milkshake in one motor. The boat has sit since then. I have been traveling a lot and have not had time to use it. Now I do, but don't know where to start on finding the problem. I know automotive engines, but this will be the first time working on a marine motor. The motors are stock with the exception of mild cams. I am going to tear into motor this weekend. Any tips on what to look for water entering the engine??? I know the heads or head gasket is my first thought. Can water enter anywhere else??? Thanks in advance.
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MOBILEMERCMAN

Check exhaust first. Pull risers look in manifolds. Check oil cooler. The worst thing you could have done is let it sit with water in it.
Intakes leak at passage to heads. Especially with after market intakes. Do a leak down before tearing into motor.
Good luck.

nascar_crazy

What an I looking for in the manifolds?

1BIGJIM

iTrader: (1)

Signs of water, after this long Rust.

nascar_crazy

OK. Pulled heads and no signs of gasket fairlure or water in combustion chamber. I am taking the heads to be checked today. Any other places that it could enter in? Could the oil cooler be the problem???(I would think if the cooler was a problem then I would loose oil, since the oil pressure is higher than the water pressure, but what do I know).

DMOORE

Pressure test the exhaust manifolds, and oil cooler. Also look very closely for a leak around the intake manifold mating surface. Most water/oil problems in boats are due to exhaust manifold problems, so really check them well.




Darrell.

nascar_crazy

Thanks for all the help. I dropped the heads at the machine shop this morning to be pressure checked. I removed the oil cooler tonight and pressure checked it. It was fine. How can I check the exhaust manifolds. I have inspected them, but can't find anything.