Either I have bad luck or I’m missing something

[Josh28161]

Last fall my port engine on my 04 280da died. I don’t know if it was a head gasket or a crack, but water got in the block and # 5 & 3 cylinders as well. Ended up having to replace the motor. Fast forward to yesterday, out on the bay, absolutely beautiful day out, and both motors ran perfectly. Got up this am to head back out, both started right up, 30 minute drive to my fishing spot, a few seconds after coming off plane the starboard engine starts idling very rough, I get a low oil pressure alarm and it shuts off. All happened in a few seconds. Tried to re-start and it barely turned over and then make a knock like a cylinder was water locked. Pulled the #5 plug and water came pouring out. Pulled the next plug over and water didn’t come out but the plug had water around it. That’s the same cylinder(s) that took on water on the other motor. So I guess I must just have terrible luck, because I cannot fathom how the same thing could have happened to both motors. I’m thinking I may try to replace the head gasket on that side before I change the motor since there is no sign of water in the oil. So much for striper season this year…

 

[Flyer5]

Was it head gaskets on your old motor that caused the failure? If it was I may guess if they were the same age the failure would have been imminent on the other engine as well. Sorry about the issues.

 

[Josh28161]

Was it head gaskets on your old motor that caused the failure? If it was I may guess if they were the same age the failure would have been imminent on the other engine as well. Sorry about the issues.

Honestly I don’t know what killed it, and it still bugs me that I don’t know, but it took on so much water into the block that it created a foaming milkshake that pumped at least a quarts worth into the bilge coming out of the dipstick tube that it actually pushed up. So the motor was completely foamed when I took it apart and couldn’t ascertain much.

 

[dmorris800]

Hi do you boat in salt water or fresh? When where the exhaust manifolds / risers last been changed?

 

[Josh28161]

Hi do you boat in salt water or fresh? When where the exhaust manifolds / risers last been changed?

I’m in salt. Manifolds, risers, and elbows about 2 years old. And flappers were inspected and in good condition at the time.