Atomic 4 - Water in Cylinders!!!

[wbgent]

After sitting idle for about 2 months, I tried to start my engine. I cranked too long and the water from my raw water cooling system apparently backed up. There was water spitting out of the flame arrestor when I cranked the engine and there is water in the carb. I pulled the plugs, and there is water in the cylinders. Not pooling, but it''s definitely water. Now, I think my immediate concern should be to preserve the cylinders and try and plecude any more damage - before I troubleshoot why the engine wouldn''t start. Right? Here''s what I''m doing:

1. Put a couple of tablespoons of Marvel Mystery Oil in each cylinder. I will let that soak while:

2. I drain the gas tank and fuel lines. Initial investigation revealed no water in the fuel filter resevoir, but the fuel didn''t smell as strong as it should have.

3. Crank the engine w/ the plugs out to blow the MMO and any residual water out of the cylinders.

4. Replace new plugs.

5. Fire the engine while spraying a squirt of starter fluid into the carb and the intake shut. If it starts, then open intake.

Am I missing anything here? Does the water spitting out of the flame arrestor indicate a bad head gasket/ head leak?? HELP!!!

Thanks!
Will

[pirateofcapeann]

Yup, well, that''s about as classic a sign of a blown head gasket as there ever was! The reason it wouldn''t start is because you weren''t getting any compression. This could be a symptom of other problems too like a stuck valve, a cracked head or block or a broken timing chain even, unlikely but possible especially if you live in a northern climate and didn''t winterize the engine. The first step is to do a compression check. You''ve done well to pour some mystery oil in the cylinders. Don''t be bashful with it and turn the engine over by hand a couple of times after you pour it in.

Pi

[wbgent]

Thanks a million! I live in Hawaii - no winterization! I guess I''ve got to pull the head! Anything to watch out for there?

Will

[pirateofcapeann]

I strongly recommend you source out a shop manual if you''re planning to do the job yourself. That will answer all of the questions you''ll have on how to go about the job and tools required as well as bolt torque, patterns and the like. It will also keep you from getting into too much trouble. Doing this job yourself is a great idea, as it will give you some very good experience and knowledge about your motor, which may come in handy someday away from the dock!

Pi

[Irwin32]

Do not assume you have blown a head gasket. Cranking the A4 excessively w/o starting can result in water getting into the cylinders. You did the right thing by getting the water out and getting MMO into the cylinders. Hopefully you cranked it over to get the MMO to your rings.

Run a compression check.

If your engine was running fine the last time before you shut it down I am going to bet is is still OK. Head gaskets don''t blow just sitting around and waiting.

After you get it going and check the compression, keep your eye on things. Check the oil to look for signs of water. I am putting my money on your engine is OK and you just cranked it too long.

I think what happens is that as you you crank, exhaust water backs up because the engine is not kicking it out with enough force and it ends up backing into your cylinders.

One can install a drain valve at a low point in the exhaust system downstream from where the water enters. When the engine is being stubborn, that valve can be opened to prevent the exhaust system from filling up with water.

[RobGallagher]

Try atomic4-list@sailnet.net

There are guys on this list that know everything there is to know about the A-4

Good Luck