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So close. This year my ST got brand new sterndrives. New transom assemblies. New trim pumps. New steering cable. Put her in for the first real shakedown cruise and last trip of the season this year. Fresh oil change. Over $7000 of parts alone, not counting the labor.
I was worried sick because the temperature unexpectedly dropped down to 28 for four hours last night, so I checked oil level and oil before leaving the dock. (I knew it was cutting it close with 35 degrees at nights next to the water, but wanted one good trip of the season after missing June, July, August, and September replacing everything else.
Oil pressure was between 10 (idle) and 40 (WOT) on the port engine as it was before which was a concern but seemed ok for an engine with 700 hours on her. Temp was cool thanks to the cold water. 3 hour cruise went super smooth - was taking it easy on drives since they're still under 10 hours.
Was about 2 minutes from the dock at 50 mph having decided to pull her for the year content that everything was finally in place. That moment I dropped a valve on the port engine! Blow by smoke coming out of the valve cover vents to the carb. I didn't react quickly because I was stunned after such a perfect cruise and setting everything as perfect for next season at last in my mind, and I was listening all day to the new sterndrives so that was my first thought when I heard the pop. I don't think it would have made any difference though since with 700 hours on stock 350 mercruiser mags it makes more sense to replace.
After this I don't think there will be a single mechanical thing from 1990 except for a secondary bilge pump and battery cables left on the boat, and even those had their terminals replaced.
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