Horrible start to the season!!!

diggin2day1

This is not what you want to see on the first run of the season immediately after launching the boat:  Had the boat hauled to my local launch ramp so I could take her for a spin and put her in my slip.... No such luck. After the hauling company put her in the water and drove away, I finished loading my gear. Jumped in the boat, opened the seacock and tried to start her up. She cranked over a bit then slowed and stopped(almost like battery was dead), so I flipped the switch to combine batteries and tried again... She slowly cranked and then heard a grind and a clank? Kind of sounded like when you try to start a car that is already running. Hoping it's just a bad starter, but that clank really has me worried. I called SeaTow and had them tow me around to my slip so the mechanic can take a look at her Monday. 
Also noticed a leak from the blue plug on the lower water distribution housing... I'm sure that will need replacement as well (easy $200 for part, doesn't look too hard to change/access). They list 3 part numbers and have to figure out which one I need.... UGH!!! 

aero3113

Diggin good luck, hopefully it's just the starter. Looks like you launched at Corey Creek. My slip is over to the left on that last dock in your pic.

chamberb

Aww Diggin that sucks! I hope it is something easy, no chance something froze this winter? The noise and blue plug have me concerned, again, I hope it is something straight forward... Good luck!!

aero3113

Did you run it on muffs before you launched it?

youstolemybeer

There are worse that can happen the first time out.   Once had an engine overheat to the point the paint melted on the side of the engine.   

diggin2day1

Had it running (3 separate occasions) before I launched... Actually ran it 4 days ago for about 20 minutes off the hose(I have a South Bay Strainer). The anticipation of not knowing what it is kills me... 

MarkB

My friends boat went in. They started it and fuel pump failed. Wire harness ignited and damaged a whole lot of wiring.  He's not happy.

aero3113

If it makes you feel any better, I have the same pic from when my prop hub failed on us half way to Kismet from Wantagh a couple of seasons ago.

diggin2day1

I have TWO similar pics from last season... One ran out of gas, the other an outdrive. 

Handymans342

Never happen with diesels, just sayin.

diggin2day1

randy56

Hate hear it diggin, keep us posted, since you had it running allready, How many hours on your boat?

diggin2day1

Thanks Randy... Approx 700 hrs

raybo3

Good luck bro hopefully its nothing big. Keep us posted.....

earl1z19

Sure hope it didn't Hydro-Lock after having some water push past the risers when they put it in the water. Good luck

Dream_Inn

Good luck Diggin'.  I had that terrible clunk sound on take off last fall.  I now have a new outdrive.  Hoping to hear some good news from you!

craigswardmtb

Any water in the oil?

diggin2day1

No water in oil... Heading down to marina now to speak with mechanic... 

rasbury

dang, as I recall you have had some issues getting this far....sorry man, good luck

jme097

****. Hoping nothing too bad!

diggin2day1

Yes, had to replace the bravo 3 in August.... Did a ton of work to her all winter long and now this!! I spoke with the mechanic today, handed him the keys and went home. The anticipation is tearing me to shreds!!!

diggin2day1

Just got back from the marina and she's purring like a kitten... Water must've gotten in through the exhaust when the boat was being launched. Mechanic said he drained the block, spun it a few times by hand, then started her up. He ran it for about 20 minutes with no issues. He says it happens sometimes with my type of exhaust/risers/etc(pretty sure previous owner put upgraded exhaust on the boat).  I have not taken her for a spin yet due to horrible weather, but will soon. And the best part is.... When I called him earlier I said "I'll be down to square-up with you in an hour"... His reply: "bring donuts and we're even". I am having him replace the lower water distribution housing and serpentine belt now.... So thankful that this wasn't worse!! Now bring on the warm weather!!!

reneechris14

Exhaust flaps??may not on the up grade exhaust.mine are cooked from over heating last year.I have change be for I launch.but glad to here it all went well.

Dream_Inn

That is really great news!!!!!! 

zaverin1

Yes have him check exhaust flaps 
if they are missing or bad it will happen again.
i had a guy last year loose his star engine due to bad flaps

Handymans342

Better show up with doughnuts.

zaverin1

Also a quick sign that flaps are going bad is 
they will start making a ticking noise.
almost like a valve or spark knock noise.
this means rubber is wore out and now it's metal on metal. Water Seal is also bad at this point. Sometimes they just fall off and make no noise. So it's a good idea to check them

diggin2day1

Handy- done!
Zaverin- Now I'm not too sure about this, but are flaps ALWAYS used? The previous owner of my boat installed stainless risers/manifolds and performance exhaust.... Does that make a difference? I'm still learning this stuff!!

zaverin1

Is it thru hull or thru prop?
flaps are located in the y pipe which is cast iron.

zaverin1

If engine took on water just from a simple splash then same can happen in rough weather or when boat is brought from top speed to idle in a quick manner

rasbury

Grew news and information...my 350 has thru hull and lower unit pick up that goes into a y, is that where the flap is? Never really thought about it...my other boat with a 4.0 l I replaced but seems they were more up by the risor....I have had that y out and don't recall seeing a flap..got me wondering!