The case of the missing oil - scooby snacks to follow

[Tanner]

So this weekend I kept having problems w/ my alarm going off and my oil pressure guage zeroing out while at idle... and only at idle. I checked the oil a few times and it always showed full. My new sub install has been wreaking havoc on my my guages lately so I figured the guage was sticking, and thought the alarm might be tied to the gauge. I also thought that maybe just maybe the alarm was something along the lines of the v-drive light coming on at idle (in other words kind of normal).... even though it's never happened before.

Well this went on for a few days, always showing oil on the dipstick, and ONLY at idle... and only occasionaly. Until yesterday. While cruising, the boat slowed to 20 mph and the alarm went off. I immediately dropped the boat in idle and killed it. I had been watching the temp guage and all was well there. I pulled the dip stick, a bit of smoke came out. I wiped it off and checked it again, and still showed oil. I tried to start the boat and couldn't get it to turnover. I only gave it 2 bumps and didn't wanna try anymore in case the oil pump went bad. I hopped on the P.A. system and got a passer by boat to tow me in. Scooby snacks go out to Tim for the 420 and the P.A.... as well as the 485's being loud enough to get the sound out 160+ yards to the passer by.

So this morning, after the boat had set all night I checked the oil again, and it was totally empty! I maybe got an 1/8" on the dipstick. I haven't been burning oil, no smoke from the exhaust, no oil in the bilge, no oil slicks around my boat ever. I can't figure out where the oil went. I need scooby doo's help...lol. I guess I've been checking my oil level after trailering to my location instead of after the boats been sitting for hours.... and wasn't getting a true reading.

I'm hoping and praying I didn't seize the motor when I tried to bump it... it hadn't done it when it went into limp mode yet. But no telling. Guess I gotta put in new oil, pull the distributor, turn the oil pump and try to manually prime the motor w/ oil before trying to start it. Lets hope

[chpthril]

Best time to check the oil is with the boat in the water. Hot or cold shouldn't matter very much and only needs to sit a minute after running to get an accurate reading. Who did the last oil change? I would go ahead and change it again, running it low is ruff on oil. Plus, this will allow you to see how much is really in there.

No need to pull distributor, just fill the filter full with new oil, disable the ignition....unplug coil wire, crank sensor, ignition module, and then crank engine in 30 sec intervals till gauge shows pressure.

[Thomas Hohl]

Like chpthrl said, drain the oil and pay close attention to how much was in there. That will tell you alot. Also MAKE SURE AND DRAIN IT INTO A CLEAN PAN. That way you can see if there is any metal particles etc. in the oil. You may get lucky and just need to get a fresh, full, oil pan. Those GM motors are pretty tuff now a days and can take a little abuse, but once you cross that line it can kill one fast. Sounds like you took the right precautions by shutting things down pretty fast also and that may save you. Keep in mind that oil plays a major role in keeping the engine cool as well. Just my

Also it's not uncommon to get a bad oil filter that restricts flow. Make sure and change that and fill it first before you install it.

I'm keeping my finger crossed for ya.

Ohhh and did you say Scooby Snacks? Zooiks!!!!
SCOOBY DOOO!!!!!!

[Tanner]

Thanks for the tip CHP. I had almost considered pulling the valve covers, and spark plugs, and dropping oil in there. Then cranking the motor.

As for changing the oil... already ahead of you... was gonna put in some cheapo oil, and see if I could get it running, then run that through the motor. Then change the oil again, after a couple hours of running it and put in my normal stuff.

The reason I was gonna pull the distributor was to get to the oil pump, and manually prime the motor w/ oil before trying to start it. That way I had the motor lubed up before I even started it.

I've been running synthetic, and I've saved a race motor due to that before.... so I'm hoping that could have helped. Guess we'll see what happens!!!!

[talltigeguy]

Tanner, did you get any pics of your tower with the 485 setup on it?

[Tanner]

LOL.... not yet tall! I will, got other things on my plate right now obviously...lol.

[SPBFAN]

That just does not sound good. Usally what happens is the engine keeps turning but the bearings are dry so it is getting eaten alive. Then the drivers realize somthing is not right and shut it down. Now that melted hot metal sits and fuses together. Thus locking up the engine. I pray that you can save it. sad to hear this. You have just not had the best of luck the last two years with your stereo and now engine. I am glad you have a positive attitude because that is the only way you can keep sain. Let us know how it goes. CHP and other gave some good advise. When ever you change oil always fill the fitler with oil this way the bearings don't run dry when starting it.

[Tanner]

Tell me about it andrew.

I'm gonna be draining the oil tonight and cutting open the old oil filter to see if there was any metal in it.

[Tanner]

Yep, it's grenaded! Pretty sure I spun a bearing.

Yanking the motor monday and totally tearing it down.

[Tequilasun]

Oh, that sucks man. But it's a good opportunity for one heck of a how to thread!

Good luck man.

[Tanner]

Oh, that sucks man. But it's a good opportunity for one heck of a how to thread!

Good luck man.

LOL.... yeah, cause I'm soooo good at remembering to take pictures. Not to mention it's kind of hard to take pics when w/ a touch screen camera when your hands are covered in grease. LOL. But I'll see what I can do.

[Tanner]

If the crank is shot and any of the rods are bent, I'm thinking about just turning this sucker into a 383 stroker. LOL Everything just depends what I find inside next week.

[Tequilasun]

LOL.... yeah, cause I'm soooo good at remembering to take pictures. Not to mention it's kind of hard to take pics when w/ a touch screen camera when your hands are covered in grease. LOL. But I'll see what I can do.

I'd like pics of the engine pull. Not that it's the hardest part, but I'm curious how your gonna do it.

I love the stroker idea!!!

[Tanner]

My buddy has a big lift/pulley set-up in his barn. He's an airplane mechanic that started running a boat repair business on the side. Well.... it's kind of turned full time, and he pretty much pulls motors daily in there now...lol.. I built his barn for him, so he's giving me use of the barn, tools, etc., and giving me a hand.

[talltigeguy]

LOL.... yeah, cause I'm soooo good at remembering to take pictures. Not to mention it's kind of hard to take pics when w/ a touch screen camera when your hands are covered in grease. LOL. But I'll see what I can do.

Make sure the new tower is in the background when you take some of those pics

Bummer to hear of the engine problem. Hope you get back on the water quickly.