OMC Zepher saildrive, water in bottom cylinder.

[Jim]

The above engine is installed in an O'Day 28, which is on land in a cradle.I recently started the engine without any problem and ran it with an appropriate water supply. It ran very well and I stopped and restarted three or four times, but when I attempted to start it a few hours later, it would not crank. Some time later I discovered that the bottom cylinder was full of clean water. I have searched the net for information, but have only been able to find one meaningfull reference which suggests that the problem is a gasket failure between the water pump and the main power unit.I will be gratefull if someone could advise me as to the following points.-Could the leak be due to another gasket - cylinder head maybe?-Is there a website or forum where I might obtain detailed information on how to proceed with the repair?-Can the powerhead be removed without disturbing the seating of the lower unit to the hull.Hoping for news.Jim.

 

[red coles]

water woes

When you ran the engine I assume you were using some type of hose attached flushing device. If you left the water running when the engine was not, you may have forced water into the cylinder. I would suggest clearing the wet cylinder and running the engine, but only have the water on when the engine is running. If the above is not the case and assuming the block is sound,check for a blown head gasket. Good luck red

 

[Chris Klepinger]

Water in lower cyl.

I did this same thing, dont let water run in engine unless it is running, It backs up thru the exaust minifold. Also use very little water pressure when running your engine like this.