Water in cylinders/milky oil

[ajgaines]

The previous owners of my 1980 Catalina 30 got raw water both in the cylinders and oil. Any ideas what can cause this as I am considering doing an overhaul, but don't want to go through the whole process just to have it happen again die to an exhaust issue.

[joe_db]

Exhaust is surely possible. Why not pressure test the block and manifold and report back.

[ajgaines]

I think I'm too far into it now? I also don't think I have the tools to test pressure, is there any other way to ensure it isn't the exhaust?




These are photos from when I first cracked the head open. There are rust pattern between each cylinder. A mechanic did also check for compression and each was found to be around 60 if I remember correctly.



I am also trying to remove the propeller shaft which seems impossible. I removed the little square bolt seen in this image but it seemed to do nothing, the propeller shaft won't budge.

Does anyone have suggestions on steps to take before lifting the engine using the boom? I know almost nothing about sailing and don't want to damage the boom or sail trying to lift the engine up

[Dave Neptune]

How long did the engine set while "wet"? I have resurrected engines that "looked" worse and ran for many more years once dried and the rings shook loose. Food for thought. These engines are extremely robust when it comes to wear or rust!

When was the compression check done and what was the condition of the engine?

Dave Neptune

[ajgaines]

David,

The compression test was done right after the previous owners could not start the engine. So I guess that leads me to believe that the engine was turning at that time. I believe the engine had that water inside for about a month before I was able to get to it. I cleaned out the cylinders with a rag, added Marvel's mystery oil, removed the oil from the pan and added a little extra oil down there.

[Dave Neptune]

Many Cat 30's on this site. Can you pry against the flywheel teeth through the starter hole. Be very careful against the teeth and work back and forth not just one direction.

Dave Neptune

[ajgaines]

I believe I can. Would there be any danger in going back and forth since it's supposed to spin counterclockwise?

[ajgaines]

So doing some research on the water lift exhaust system it looks like the one in my boat is not even close to the 12" suggested from top to bottom and the water exhaust enters the exhaust at about 2" rather than 4" down. Do you guys think that this would have caused the water backflow? I imagine the previous owners had trouble starting for whatever reason, then cranked and cranked with the seacock open until water filled and worked its way back into the engine.