Congrats Joey, it cleaned up nice!

Congrats, and yes, I remember the day - a combination of excitement and being scared to death. Luckily I got over it quickly.

Hope you resolve it quickly....

Are you sure the noise is not an internal exhaust flapper???

Congrats Joey!!!!!!!!

Very cool!

Just caught that you and the Mrs regularly weekended on your 251 Checkmate.

We have a 251 and also weekend on it but always looking at other options.

We did the cruiser at a marina thing for several yrs but missed the thrill of the ride.

Also very impressed w/your realistic View on expectations, improvements, surprised discoveries etc.

On the motors, IMO, the safest way to buy motors is to buy them totally disassembled.

We are doing a long weekend on one of our favorite Lake Erie islands, on our 251 this weekend.
Last time there, I helped into dock, a gorgeous, all orig gun w/orgasmic motors!

I was impressed at their level of tune, especially at idle.
Shiffted, idled perfectly, never stalled around dock etc.
I think many miss this target and importance of it when weekending on the boat.

He reported 500-ish HP per side and 70 MPH top end which he was very satisfied with and think I would be too.

Im an OB guy but couldn’t take my eyes off the motors!

PS, I second the checking for exhaust leaks causing ticking.
For something so basic, it will drive you bonkers!

Another item to ck is belts.

I had one on my TowPigg that had an intermittent tick that I couldn’t find.
Ended up being the belt!

Was the seam of the belt where the ends meet and are joined together.
Every time it went over the tensioner pulley it ticked!

Found it and much more...lol
Broken pushrod guide, not sure how you break these.
Broken pushrod tip (different cyl)
Water in the oil. It's funny these noises and water didn't show up while on the hose in the driveway, and I had it ad 3k while setting the timing.
The block is already .060 over, so probably going to need one. Wait and see on the heads, but my guess they will find a crack(s). Fingers crossed the crank and rods. Taking the components to the machine shop this week. I bought the boat as is and this was the chance I took. All good, just adding up fast.
The Checkmate is already in the driveway to get ready for the weekend.

yep needs rocker adjustment............good thing you shut it down

Wow!

Nice save.
Would have been catastrophic if it had come apart at speed! And yes to the surprises when buying as is. Bought my 251 with a blown 454 stroker.

Pulled the motor and drained the oil and I think there was over a gallon of water in the oil pan!