Bought a boat with a blown engine (not knowingly)...fluids in the wrong place. Why?

Question

Does anyone have any idea why someone would have put transmission fluid where motor oil is to go and motor oil where gear oil is to go in a I/O marine engine? I've heard that transmission fluid burns at a different rate than motor oil and it may have been used to cover up the fact the boat I bought had a blown engine (not producing any smoke because of the temperature difference).

Any ideas or thoughts on this? I bought my boat, used it once, took it to a marina and found out there was no compression in one of the cylinders. I'm not that marine engine savvy (or auto engine either) but would greatly appreciate any help or insight!!!

Answer 1

Are you sure he put tranny fluid in the engine and not an oil addative like say Marvel Mystery Oil ?  A marine engine can be very costly.  The best thing to do is sell the boat now before you get involved in it.  Part it out and you should get your money back in parrs.  If you are not mechanically inclined in will be very costly for you to own a boat.  They always break down and you will always have problems.  Even new ones give you problems.  If you keep the boat get a rebuilt engine it will cost less.  Good luck.

Answer 2

ya he might have put the oils like that but thats sounds like hes just and idiot and had no clue wht hes doing. if he was guna put transmishin fluid in it he wouold have kept it in the gears and put trans oil in both places it sounds like he just put the fluids in the rong places. seeing that shows he probly didiint know anything was wrong with it. id get the parts from ebay and bring it to a small macanic to fix. if u wana bring it to a boat plcae you will be wastiung money.

Answer 3

Man that sucks, Like autos you should always have it checked before buying. Used boats can look new but be junk. I don't know about the oil problem