Bad luck followed by some good

Andy JC · 11 September 2017, 21:28

So I took the Honwave out with my 2004 Johnson 15 on the back for the first time the other week, eager to see how the new boat performed. To my devastation, as soon as I had the opportunity to open her up I heard an alarming clatter coming from the engine block. Upon further inspection it appears that it's dropped a ring on the lower cylinder. The evidence being bits of ring embedded in to the head. Absolutely gutted[emoji24]
I've had the engine for about 10 years in which time it's probably done less than 30 hours. The problem being that each time it was used it was on a remote beach with no way of flushing after each use. Now the head is off I can see the amount of salt crystals that have built up around the block. Presumably it's either this or possibly a blocked thermostat that I'm guessing has caused it to overheat.
So anyway, I thought while I start trying to fix the problem I might look around for another motor so I can salvage what's left of the summer and get out in the new boat. So last week I came across a 2003 Tohatsu 18hp 2 stroke with only 5 hours use. To my absolute amazement I won the auction at £520. The engine was delivered 2 days later and looks fantastic and runs well. I'm over the moon. As they say, every cloud eh! Here's a couple of pics of my new pride and joy...

Andy JC · 11 September 2017, 22:02

Sorry about the wonky pics. They're all up the right way on my phone and laptop

beamishken · 12 September 2017, 00:07

Gotta be happy with that. What a bargain!

Mikefule · 12 September 2017, 06:18

It is seldom possible to flush the cooling system at the beach. I have an old wheelie bin at home which I fill using the garden hose. I can easily get a 9.9 engine into it without help. It doesn't need any special bracket or support for the engine, just reasonable care. I can then run the engine for as long as I want. I fitted a drain tap at the bottom of the bin (a tap from a garden water butt) so it is easy to get the water out of the bin, or even change the water during a prolonged flushing of the engine.

Fenlander · 12 September 2017, 08:58

Andy that is possibly the OB bargain of the year... well done it should give you great performance.

rik_elliott · 12 September 2017, 10:47

I have one of those. excellent engine, a what a bargain. Mine was nearly double that maybe 4 years ago and i thought i had done well to get it for under a grand.

have fun

rossymtb · 12 September 2017, 20:00

That is a bargain. Wish I'd have seen it. Would have been a battle on your hands

Is fixing your old one up a plan then. Or quit while your ahead and sell the other for spares or repairs?

rossymtb · 12 September 2017, 20:13

Infact I did see that one. But it was miles away if I remember and no postage options for me. Oh well you had a good deal

Andy JC · 12 September 2017, 23:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikefule

It is seldom possible to flush the cooling system at the beach. I have an old wheelie bin at home which I fill using the garden hose. I can easily get a 9.9 engine into it without help. It doesn't need any special bracket or support for the engine, just reasonable care. I can then run the engine for as long as I want. I fitted a drain tap at the bottom of the bin (a tap from a garden water butt) so it is easy to get the water out of the bin, or even change the water during a prolonged flushing of the engine.

Yes Mike, I agree. With hindsight I'm sure I could've found away around it, maybe a trug or something. I had no idea at the time it would have such a devastating effect.
Circumstances have changed so we won't be launching from that beach again. I won't be making the same mistake with the Tohatsu. I'll be flushing after every outing that's for sure!

Andy JC · 12 September 2017, 23:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by rossymtb

That is a bargain. Wish I'd have seen it. Would have been a battle on your hands

Is fixing your old one up a plan then. Or quit while your ahead and sell the other for spares or repairs?

Glad you didn't get a bid in then [emoji6]

Plan with the Johnson is to remove the crank case and inspect the big ends. A marine mechanic has advised me that as I sometimes stored it on its side (during transit) it's possible water could have found its way in to the crank case. I didn't realise this was possible but if it has it could have destroyed the big ends, completely writing the engine off. If that's the case I'll break it and sell the good parts on eBay. Surprising what they go for, may even make back enough to pay for the new one!
If it just over heated due to blocked water passages or thermostat I may just get away with honing it and replacing the piston & rings.