I have a buddy that opened his his engine compartment this morning to check things out before going out for a day of boating and found about 2 inches of oil in the bilge. It's a Sea Ray with a 454 and he wet slips it year round. He had an automatic heater in the bilge and checked it several times throughout the winter......no problems.

So, we are assuming that the dock lost power or the heater just didn't kick on for some reason but the heater seems to be working fine now.

Where did the oil come from? I'm thinking a cracked block, but I'm hoping that it may be something a little less costly to repair.

Anyone have a 454 they want to sell? Thanks!

Is the engine out of oil????????? Put more oil in and see where it comes out.

Sounds like rotted oil pan block crack would not leak oil out.

A cracked block wouldn't leak oil? I'll have him put more oil in and see if he can tell where it's coming from as suggested above.

Is there anywhere on the motor that could leak this much oil (2 inches in bilge) as a result of freezing and cracking?

Are you sure it isnt oil floating on some water and making it look like there's a ton of oil in the bilge... Water will amke the oil seem like it's growing....

I had an oil line leak over the winter once. Inspect all hoses, also inspect the drive trim pumps and reservoirs - they are prone to crack and leak.

Yes, it's definitely is oil. Maybe a little water, but he stuck his finger in it and it was thick.

If he has 2" of oil in the bilge, those motors must hold gallons of oil. Find the leak, then go from there. Otherwise just a bunch of guesses.

That is a pretty big bildge for 2" of oil. Must have a giant oil reserve tank somewhere. Those things don't hole that much oil. Definately got some oil floating on top ot the water.

But like the other guy said. Got to start cleaning out the bilge, put in some more oil and see where it comes from. Probably not a cracked block.

His SeaRay is just sweating horsepower.....its OK