Just bought my first boat. I am a newbie. I bought a ski boat a 1989
Forrester 160 Phathom with an OMC Cobra 2.3 (Ford) The dealer said
they rebuilt the outdrive and went over the boat to be 100%
operational. I paid much more than the boat is worth but I thought it
was a deal if the thing was 100%. It was sold AS-IS.
We had it out for an hour and all was well, sorta a get to know me
cruise. Freshwater. A few days later took it out for 3 hours and had
trouble with the stat sticking open. Also the boat just stopped moving
engine was running. Brought it back to the dealer and left it. Cost me
250.00 had to put on a new prop. Said the rubber bushing was shot as
the prop was old. We did not hit anything as we were in 20' minimum
fresh water. Well now it does not look like it is anywhere near 100%
The dealer had to order the stat. The holiday was here and we planned
on taking it out so the dealer said ok since the stat was stuck open.
We took it out and was out for about an hour and now the speedometer
quit, and the engine was running a bit funny so I decided to get it in.
On the way in the engine quit. I drifted into the dock. The engine
temp was 190* but it jumped there in a very short time as I was always
looking at the gauge. We got it out and brought it home. A few days
later decided to pull the stat as the dealer still did not have it. I
pulled the stat and it was rusted open. I checked the oil (checked it
before each use and was good) but now it was greenish brown and had a
qt too much. It smells like gas. I am not sure but if it was water
wouldn't it seperate from the oil after sitting? This has stayed mixed
like it was cut with a solvent. I feel it is gas but how would it get
in it. I pulled the plugs and they look ok no fouling from water. (I
used to drag race and built my own engines so I am not lost around
engines. I admit the marine is a whole new world.) Since I know nothing
about marine systems the only way I know gas gets in the oil would be
rings but not in that amount. I will not trust the dealer and now I
need to fix it myself as I am way over budget on this with what I paid
for it. Can anyone offer any suggestions?

Thanks Jim please email your response to