Checking for Hydrolock
 

Boat ran perfect all summer, however last trip out I noticed the engine running a little rough. No temp problems, just sounded like a little bit of a miss. No time to mess with it before I left for a month of travel for work.
I returned and went out to the boat to start it up.

I turn the key and get the "clunk" sound of the starter motor engaging. This is all I get though. Engine will not turn over.
I have a starting issue.

I checked battery power and all checks good. I removed the starter and bench tested, and appears to be good (as far as I know at least).

What should be my next step in troubleshooting? Should I be looking to see if the engine is hydrolocked? If so what are the tell tail signs?

Thanks,
Lance

Re: Checking for Hydrolock
 

First pull the plugs and see if any show of rust! Then you need to think about the next step.

Re: Checking for Hydrolock
 

First pull the dipstick and look at the oil if that is milky that may be your first sign. Then remove the spark plugs and try the starter, it will spray out any water that may be in the cylinder.

If that's the case then you may have an exhaust manifold problem or worse.

Re: Checking for Hydrolock
 

Having let it sit for a month is not good it looks like you boat in salt, trying to turn it over at this point can do moe harm then good. If the plugs show rust you need to get it apart, after a month with salt sitting on the cylinder walls they will be pitted and the pistons will be corroded. More then likely you will need to rebuild it, a good opportunity for uprading it a bit.

Phil

Re: Checking for Hydrolock
 

Thanks for the quick replies. However, none of them sound like much fun.

So on saturday first step is...

Check dip stick.....check oil for milkshake...

Pull plugs.....check all plugs for rust......

try to turn over engine....watch cylinders for water

If I see any water, should i cease attempting to start and take the engine to a mech?

thanks,

Lance

Re: Checking for Hydrolock
 

If it has sat for a month with water in it, it will most likely need a full rebuild.

Re: Checking for Hydrolock
 

plus side, its the right time of year for it to happen.

negative side.....FFFFFFUUUUKKK!

Re: Checking for Hydrolock
 

A "hydrolock" is when I can't get it up again.. :D

Re: Checking for Hydrolock
 

You sure its not when you've taken too much viagara?

4 hours later dialing the 800 number. :D