Water in the oil

[Charlotte]

Well I have a 1977 30' Catalina in beautiful shape (after many, many hours of TLC. Anyway yes we had the same problem and the first time was fixed due to a head gasket. Got the new one on, took her for a spin and about an hour out (we're in Horseshoe Bay BC) the poor dear started to sputter and cry! Sailed as close as we could and then due to the number of ferries running called and Sewalls towed us in (no charge). I thought this is nuts! Well the fellows came down and said "head gasket again". After pulling the head they called and said they would do a check on the head for cracks. Apparently that was the problem. Consequently we put a brand new one on and she is purring like a kitten. We will change the oil one more time as it seems to be just a tad milky. The cylinders looked fine as did the valves so if and I say if, we do get water again I will assume that the water jackets in the block have bit it. I pray that will not happen as we have replaced the head, manifold and she looks and sounds like a sweet song. I did own a '62 Falcon and this engine reminds me of her. So love your site and will keep an eye for interesting posts. Thanks so much for taking the time to keep all of us beauties sailing safe!
Charlotte

[Don Moyer]

Charlotte,

I envy you your Catalina 30 experience! Brenda and I owned one quite a number of years and enjoyed the boat greatly. In case you missed them, I'm attaching a couple of tech notes from our experience that might help you keep your Catalina 30 purring.

Don