Frozen Yanmar, looking for expert advise!

[patrick]

Kendall, if you were correct,

ice would not float. Last time I checked, it still does float. Maximum density is four (4) degrees C. Either way from that, it expands and the density decreases and the required volume increases. Thus, ice can rise to the top if unconfined and the water below it can still lift it until it all freezes. When it thaws and the thawing water rises in temperature above 4 degrees, it expands in volume and the frozen surface causes the pressure underneath it to increase. Water does not compress well at all and something has to give. It depends on the physical nature and actual structure of all of these things which one gives first. I would suspect that the surface of the ice would give but don't know for sure in this case and I doubt anyone else can say for sure either. I would prefer to remove the ice and relieve the pressure on the hull rather than risk damaging it.

 

[Benny]

Let the insurance company handle it.

I would think that water got into the engine crankcase before it froze as the level seems too high to account for expansion alone. Ater the engine thaws out the block should be checked for any external cracks. I would suggest to "pickle" the engine as soon as the water is able to be pumped out. Procedures for pickling can be found in the archives. I'm not one for making frivoulous insurance claims, but you seem to have a valid insurance claim for an accidental ocurrence. As the magnitude of the damage could be substantial consider letting the insurance company and their experts call the shots about what to do with the engine so that there can be no latter argument that you agravated the situation and just demand that it be restored or replaced to its previous pristine pristine condition. I do not think they will total a Hughes 38 unless it suffered any hull damage. Just food for thought.

 

[NYSail]

Great Point!

The insurance companies are always looking for an out and if you do something, I am sure they can find someone to find fault in that action.If it were me and I planned on filing a claim, I would not touch it. However, if I were not going to file I would pickle the darn thing in MMO asap.

 

[Ctskip]

Drill the relief holes

first and chip as much as possible.Removing as much ice as possible warm slowly and dry and using lots of marvel mystery oil and turn motor over by hand. Just my thoughts after reading all the replys Keep it up, Ctskip

 

[kendall]

yes exactly

water has a higher density than ice, which means less volume per weight unit, as it cools waters density increases, taking up less space, when it freezes it expands taking up more space. the expansion of the ice is what causes the damage. ice floats because it is less dense than water.less density equals greater volume per unit of weight. as Ross said, put water in a solid container, and no damage will occur untill the water freezes. with the yanmar any damage is already done, external freezing is unlikely to cause serious damage, I think he'll find that the only damage is from water. If it is freshwater cooled the internal water/AF mix should still be liquid, and no damage from internal freezing should be done. don't attempt rapid thawing, that can cause other damage.ken

 

[Eric]

water infilration

After seeing this example, I am gonna take my silly little "mold from water infiltration problems" down the hall.Let us know how things worked out.Eric

 

[Claude Labrecque]

Thanks to everyone!

Thanks for everyone input on this hopefully “once in a lifetime problem”!Many ideas, like Paul advise to install a "garboard" plug in the lowest point in the hull are on their way, the hole has been drilled already to evacuate melting ice.We spent the day with the insurance expert yesterday discussing probable cause and remedy. I will post the end of the story and explanation of the outcome as soon as available. Hopefully this boat will be ready for our planned summer cruise.

 

[Paul Akers]

Claude:

Thanks for the at-ta-boy!

 

[Ross]

Claude,

I think that there is some good news in this you had to drill a hole to drain the melt water. If the hull had cracked because of the ice you would have had water dripping from the cracks.