Water in cylinder-will not crank

Hello guys, would appreciate feedback on my boat repair issues below.

Recently took my 351, 1986 Martinique to a new mechanic (after having trouble finding anyone who would take boat in for repair). Have had starting/stalling issues past couple seasons. I Installed a new quick fuel carb a couple years ago and boat very well 4 remainder of season and the next. Also shortly after card upgrade, I replaced the original points system (and coil w recommended one) with a pointless Electronic Module. These modifications worked fine and the boat ran well for a season or more with them. However, have had starting/stalling issues again the past two seasons.

Back to current mechanic evaluation ... mechanic pulled a plug or two (not sure how many) and found water on one or more plugs,. He gave me a call saying that he suspected a cracked head. I don't think he's trying to gouge me, as he gave me the news with statement that cost to repair (with any other potential motor issues) could approach the value of the boat. However, I'm not sure a crackhead allows water in the cylinders. Been reading post here that crack, rusted, or leaking manifolds or water jackets are potential sources of water in cylinders. I'm in Central Alabama and not experienced super cold winners in recent years. Additionally, I always do a very thorough drain and filling of the block with antifreeze , so I'm doubtful that this is a freeze damage related issue.

During another previous stalling and crank fail., a timing adjustment got the boat running again. I had assumed the same this time, or some other distributor or fuel related issue. This most recent time the boat stalled and failed to crank, it ran fine for 30 to 45 minutes running down lake, but then sputtered and stalled. after stalling it would turn over for a while, (with no start) but eventually stopped turning over and seemed to lock up. Does this sound like hydrolock from water and cylinders?

Side questions: do older Motors/ distributors commonly develop timing slip issues as they age? Also, How likely is it that the original fuel pump, ie 30 + years old, had failed?

Appreciate any thoughts or feedback on the above . Also any suggestions as to how to proceed. I am not sure the mechanic I'm working with it's on the right track.

Thanks in advance, Jeff Lunceford
Birmingham, Alabama

Thank you for the feedback. The motor gas about 800 hrs on it if it offers any indication of possible timing chain stretch.

Regarding manifolds, how is a leak test done?

Also, if leak test doesn't show water loss, could a cracked head allow water to enter top of cylinders?

Jeff

jblunceford wrote: Thank you for the feedback. The motor gas about 800 hrs on it if it offers any indication of possible timing chain stretch. Regarding manifolds, how is a leak test done? Also, if leak test doesn't show water loss, could a cracked head allow water to enter top of cylinders? Jeff

Anyone curious besides me on what happened on this thread? http://https://www.correctcraftfan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=49061&KW=&PID=588505&title=looking-4-mechanic-in-alabama#588505

Thanks for the additional feedback. I'm currently working with (former) Smith's Marina, now called Pier 41 or something like that, on Lake Tuscaloosa.

I'll pass this information along to them to see if they can evaluate some of these possibilities before removing the head.

It does turn out to be the head, are used heads or engines of this era hard to find? I guess location would be key.

Didn't mean to offend anyone or appear to ignore advice. I did check with Tim White at inboard Solutions in the Montgomery, Alabama area. He is known as the best mechanic on these older boats in Central Alabama and has worked on my boat before. Tim is booked up for the foreseeable future so I took it to this local marina. It just changed hands to new owners and changed names in recent weeks. I knew the prior Smiths marine owners for many years and they had a repair shop for decades. They retained the repair shop. Smiths marine actually did some work several years ago on my prior '83 CC Southwind ( not sure why the new ownership doesn't advertise their repair shop).
I am still looking for a more knowledgeable repair shop in Central Alabama. Most shops in my area won't take a boat this age. I just reached out to Scott in Ga for another shop rec (believe I did several weeks ago and he also recommended Tim Whit in Montgomery). If the current (former Smith's Marina) mechanic can't leak test the manifolds, I'm going to winterize the boat until Tim can take it or I can find another older Correct Craft experienced mechanic.

I very much appreciate all the feedback you all have offered.

Best, Jeff

By the way, no offense taken.
Appreciate all thoughts & feedback.

Jeff

Yes, good advice.