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2008 3,o mercruiser

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gordr

New member
I started it up for the year and forgot to put the muffs on for the water in the leg and got some blue smoke after a few minutes. What did I do to the sterndrive?????
 
The sterndrive might be fine but I'm guessing the rings on your pistons are not looking to hot right about now. You might be in for a engine rebuild or replacement.
 
Mongol Madness said:
The sterndrive might be fine but I'm guessing the rings on your pistons are not looking to hot right about now. You might be in for a engine rebuild or replacement.
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I guess I wasn't clear. The engine is OK as it did not overheat and the smoke came out of the prop on the sterndrive as I did not have the cups on to provide water to the sterndrive unit.
 
gordr said:
I guess I wasn't clear. The engine is OK as it did not overheat and the smoke came out of the prop on the sterndrive as I did not have the cups on to provide water to the sterndrive unit.
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If it was running for a few minutes the engine could've overheated. Remember the gauge is on the water temp and if there is no water in the engine then the temp gauge will not be accurate, not even close. Now as for the smoke coming out of the outdrive......the impeller maybe???
 
GORDR.

1. how long did you run the boat without water. with this information actual answers can be given.

Based on worse case here is the rest

2. anything over 30 seconds to a minute and you ruined the water pump impeller in the outdrive. It needs to be replaced!!
3. raw water has to get to the engine (actually the elbows as it flows ALL the time thru the elbow to cool the elbow and the exhaust after the elbow as they are partially rubber.
4. most likely if you ran it longer than 1 - 2 minutes you will need all rubber exhaust components replaced and the flappers in the ram horn.
5. the motor may be ok due to closed cooling BUT the elbow should be removed and fresh gaskets installed if you ran it too long.
6. when the outdrive impeller is replaced all components around it need to be inspected as the exhaust flows thru that area and with no water it gets very hot!
7. the heat exchanger also gets raw water flow to cool the antifreeze mix but that should be ok but should be monitored.

SO answer question 1 first!
 
5 minutes is a long time without water.

What I listed is for sure now.

There may be more....

the upper gear case has a plastic passage/cover for the water to flow and a copper tube slightly s shaped. That cover will need replacement for sure as it gets toasted in situations like this.

Also the vertical drive shaft seal under the water pump assembly should also be replaced as well as a complete gear lube change and a outdrive pressure check to make sure all seals are good..

The exhaust bellows may be toast but if it is not all burnt up, leave it!!

Have the ujoint bellows thoroughly checked due to its proximity to the exhaust bellows... it may have taken a heat hit also.....
 
even with fresh water cooling, water MUST be supplied to the engine thru the outdrive. You have(had) an impeller in the lower unit.
 
This boat forum is a must for newby boaters. I really appreciate your help. Now, does anyone know of a goof marine mechanic in Vancouver BC
 
You'll want to start watching some YouTube videos of how to repair many of the items kghost recommend above. Just search online the item names that need replaced under videos and there's usually lots of how to type information available. http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+replace+an+alpha+one+gen+2+impeller&FORM=HDRSC3

^ When possible, try following YouTube channel made by chrisa660 in the orange overalls, He's a really good, helpful X Merc marine tech.

Also use the service manual found online too. Search Mecruiser service manual number 14 for the Alpha Gen 2 drive.

Take your time with the repairs and good luck.
 
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