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

Sounds like a possible head gasket failure which can be caused by
overheating.

Rusted thermostat may have been the cause.

Alec


wrote in message
oups.com...
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

Blown head gasket was my thought too.

--
Glenn Ashmore

I'm building a 45' cutter in strip/composite. Watch my progress (or lack
there of) at: http://www.rutuonline.com
Shameless Commercial Division: http://www.spade-anchor-us.com

"Alec" wrote in message
...
Sounds like a possible head gasket failure which can be caused by
overheating.

Rusted thermostat may have been the cause.

Alec


wrote in message
oups.com...
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

Thanks for the help. The thermostat was rusted open which would not
cause overheating. The temp went to 190 on the tell tale gauge .Am I
wrong in my assumption that 190 should not have damaged anything? I
have seen auto engines peak at 240 and not do any damage when shut down
quick. Heck most auto engines run from 190-220 or higher. I know this
boat inboard is not exact but it is the same base engine as an auto.
Again the stat was rusted open so it would not close. I need to know
what caused it to overheat. Not knowing the marine cooling and exhaust
systems puts me at an disadvantage. Any thoughts?


Alec wrote:
Sounds like a possible head gasket failure which can be caused by
overheating.

Rusted thermostat may have been the cause.

Alec


wrote in message
oups.com...
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

If you have a mechanical fuel pump, that might be the problem. I had
this on my old Land Rover and just this year I was able to help someone
in my marina with the same issue.
Mechanical fuel pumps have a diaphragm. If this gets even a pinhole
leak, the leak dumps fuel into the crankcase each time the pump
strokes. At least on the pump models I encountered.

It doesn't take long to dump a quart of fuel into the crankcase, even
through a pinhole..

Regards,

Harry

wrote:
Thanks for the help. The thermostat was rusted open which would not
cause overheating. The temp went to 190 on the tell tale gauge .Am I
wrong in my assumption that 190 should not have damaged anything? I
have seen auto engines peak at 240 and not do any damage when shut down
quick. Heck most auto engines run from 190-220 or higher. I know this
boat inboard is not exact but it is the same base engine as an auto.
Again the stat was rusted open so it would not close. I need to know
what caused it to overheat. Not knowing the marine cooling and exhaust
systems puts me at an disadvantage. Any thoughts?


Alec wrote:
Sounds like a possible head gasket failure which can be caused by
overheating.

Rusted thermostat may have been the cause.

Alec


wrote in message
oups.com...
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

"HarryV" wrote in news:1158252466.868700.179920
@e3g2000cwe.googlegroups.com:

Mechanical fuel pumps have a diaphragm. If this gets even a pinhole
leak, the leak dumps fuel into the crankcase each time the pump
strokes. At least on the pump models I encountered.



Good call, Harry. I'm trying to figure out how a blown head gasket could
cause GASOLINE to be dumped into the crankcase that is ALREADY a gas when
it enters the head where the blown head gasket the others are touting as
the cause resides. Blown head gaskets result in carbon or oil in the
water, which would simply be blown overboard in a directly-cooled
freshwater-cooled boat. I don't think there's supposed to be raw gas
around the head gasket....

Worse than your experience was my 6.2L DIESEL V-8 direct fuel pump in the
Chevy P-20. The hole in the diaphram DRAINED the fuel filter on top of the
engine back down into the crankcase every time it sat overnight. The
siphon effect pulled it back through the injection pump, making starting a
long, drawn out cranking process. The new primary mechanical pump
instantly restored fast starting in the diesel and eliminated the fuel-in-
the-oil problem. Good call....

--
There's amazing intelligence in the Universe.
You can tell because none of them ever called Earth.

On Thu, 14 Sep 2006 14:54:12 -0400, Larry wrote:

"HarryV" wrote in news:1158252466.868700.179920
:

Mechanical fuel pumps have a diaphragm. If this gets even a pinhole
leak, the leak dumps fuel into the crankcase each time the pump
strokes. At least on the pump models I encountered.



Good call, Harry.
///
Worse than your experience was my 6.2L DIESEL V-8 direct fuel pump in the
Chevy P-20. The hole in the diaphram DRAINED the fuel filter on top of the
engine back down into the crankcase every time it sat overnight.
///

Then there was my old Chevy, whose oil level would rise.
Co incidentally, the transmission oil level would go down.

Hard to credit, but the modulation valve in the transmission which is
plumbed to the engine inlet manifold, had a pin hole, and passing
transmission oil.
Not sure how it got to the engine oil - I'm guessing via the inlet
manifold to valve cover pipe - this is intended to eat engine blow by
fumes.
The moral being - engines do the darndest things.....

Brian Whatcott Altus OK

The fact that the oil level increased and that the oil was contaminated
points to a failed head gasket.

If the thermostat was rusted then this suggests that there was no antifreeze
with corrosion protectors in the cooling system..

I assume the cooling system is indirect, that is the raw/sea water does not
pass through the block of the engine.

Alec


wrote in message
ups.com...
Thanks for the help. The thermostat was rusted open which would not
cause overheating. The temp went to 190 on the tell tale gauge .Am I
wrong in my assumption that 190 should not have damaged anything? I
have seen auto engines peak at 240 and not do any damage when shut down
quick. Heck most auto engines run from 190-220 or higher. I know this
boat inboard is not exact but it is the same base engine as an auto.
Again the stat was rusted open so it would not close. I need to know
what caused it to overheat. Not knowing the marine cooling and exhaust
systems puts me at an disadvantage. Any thoughts?


Alec wrote:
Sounds like a possible head gasket failure which can be caused by
overheating.

Rusted thermostat may have been the cause.

Alec


wrote in message
oups.com...
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

Hi sorry I should have pointed it out it is an open cooling system. I
will be doing a compression check but I have no signs of fouling on the
plugs which I would see if water was entering the cyls. I guess a
cracked block would be something to look at as it could allow that to
happen.
Alec wrote:
The fact that the oil level increased and that the oil was contaminated
points to a failed head gasket.

If the thermostat was rusted then this suggests that there was no antifreeze
with corrosion protectors in the cooling system..

I assume the cooling system is indirect, that is the raw/sea water does not
pass through the block of the engine.

Alec


wrote in message
ups.com...
Thanks for the help. The thermostat was rusted open which would not
cause overheating. The temp went to 190 on the tell tale gauge .Am I
wrong in my assumption that 190 should not have damaged anything? I
have seen auto engines peak at 240 and not do any damage when shut down
quick. Heck most auto engines run from 190-220 or higher. I know this
boat inboard is not exact but it is the same base engine as an auto.
Again the stat was rusted open so it would not close. I need to know
what caused it to overheat. Not knowing the marine cooling and exhaust
systems puts me at an disadvantage. Any thoughts?


Alec wrote:
Sounds like a possible head gasket failure which can be caused by
overheating.

Rusted thermostat may have been the cause.

Alec


wrote in message
oups.com...
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

On 14 Sep 2006 12:21:22 -0700, wrote:

Hi sorry I should have pointed it out it is an open cooling system. I
will be doing a compression check but I have no signs of fouling on the
plugs which I would see if water was entering the cyls.
///
Alec

Hmmmm... not quite the same scenario: but if a gasket leaks in
a two stroke outboard, the visible sign is a squeaky clean spark plug.

Some things you know, just ain't so......

Brian Whatcott Altus OK