5.7L with Alpha I Overheat: Redeux

[PlayDate]

I'm hoping it is a simple adjustment because anything else means that they did something wrong.


The air leak was on the intake side of the pump. The air leak cavitated the pump at higher rpms causing the water to almost stop flowing. They did the right thing in taking apart both units and probably fixed it without knowing what the problem was (we call that "PFM" Pure F***ing Magic).

My immediate concern is the new problem you described. Yes you can check the reservoir. What usually happens is that it leaks from the outdrive. Since you have seen that before.... the fluid level will drop in the reservoir if there is a leak and there will be a sheen on the water around the drive.

I usually drain oil from the drive itself to check it for water. That may be impractical if your boat is in the water. However, if the fluid level has not dropped and there is no sheen on the water.....it probably just is a cable adjustment.

I'm hoping it is that simple.

-John

 

[comsnark]

Playdate;

Everything you say makes perfect sense. Including the PFM repair.

I will check fluids when I get to the boat on Friday. I must confess that I did not check fluids when running on Saturday. (too happy to get the boat back -> and geez; the mechanics just finished putting it together that morning!). I had done checks just prior to the latest round of work, so I know all the levels were holding and that any problem in this area is NEW.

Now that you mention it, I did note a slight sheen on Sunday morning -> and I attributed it to a neighboring boat and still air. Crud :smt021. I did not see a sheen on Saturday, but the water was not still, and honestly I was not looking. BUT -> the other week I was ready to swear I that I had 6 water hoses from the thermostat housing. I really have 4; so I think I am an unreliable witness.

Darn. Now I am itching to get to the boat to check it out. . but I don't have time this week to do that. I will see if I can get the mechanic to swing around to the boat (doubtful at this point. . but you never know).

 

[comsnark]

* * *UPDATE* * * *

PREVIOUSLY on Never Ending Overheat

Put boat into water in spring, with new impellers.

Boat overheated. A bunch of stuff was checked, pulled apart and inspected. No joy.

Boat was pulled. A bunch of stuff was checked, pulled apart and inspected. No joy.

Boat mechanic brought a buddy. Figured out boat was sucking air. Boat pulled AGAIN.

Boat fixed! Boat Runs! Yippee!

And then. . .the repaired engine started mashing itself when put in reverse.

Today on Never Ending Overheat

Armed with good advice from Playdate, I get to the boat at 1pm on Saturday. No slick around the boat.

I uncover the boat with some trepidation, and open the hatch. I bring myself to look at the drive oil reservoir. OMIGOSH ITS EMPTY. No wait. Blink. No, the level is normal. Almost gave my self a heart attack. Upon close inspection, the level is *right at* the full mark. Right where it is supposed to be. Open the cap, stick a pinky in the liquid: Looks like perfectly normal drive oil. Hmmmm.

Take boat out. . it shifts perfect. Boat runs sweet. Take a two hour run. Life is good. While running, I shoot engine temps. After taking temps, I am happier with the problem starboard engine than the "no issue" port engine.

Sunday morning, I see a fuel in the water near the boat. BUT, both my neighbors had been out the previous night (as had I), and the water is very still. It does look like fuel (not drive oil: I had seen that before) Drive oil level is fine.

So. . .since relaunch last week, I have put five hours on the boat with no issue. I think I am DONE with this problem. On to other issues (see my other threads)!

Thanks everyone for their help!