How long does it take to after starting a boat engine to know if the engine is blown,cracked, etc?

Question

Our boat was in for it's first service this week at the marina.They called and said,"the boat wasnt properly winterized,but we ran it and it is fine and ready for you to pick up" We noticed upon arrival that the oil hadn't been changed in the boat,it was dark.Then, we couldn't find our boat plug that was on the boat.After showing the oil's color to our salesman,he agreed that it was too dark to be new.Then he said, I will watch you put it in the water to make sure all is ok.We get the boat in the water.Within seconds,i heard engine noise and had the guy look under the engine compartment.There was oil and water blowing everywhere.We shut off immediately,then left it for them to look at the following day.I was called the next day and told the engine was "locked up" and ruined and that it will cost $12,000 for a new engine.Shouldn't they have noticed that immediatly upon starting it? Couldnt they tell something was wrong?The engine was still running when i cut it off, not frozen.

Answer 1

Sounds like it threw a rod. They should have seen trouble immediately after they started it. I would say they never started it. It sounds like water got into the oil causing the motor to throw a rod. I would take it to another boat mechanic & have him tell you what happened. If you have boat insurance check to see if it covers that. If they said it was okay & wasn't they should pay half the repairs. Good luck.

Answer 2

This is a complicated issue.  First, The color of the oil, would have no bearing on the "locked up engine".  Second, Oil  and water "blowing everywhere" would be abnormal,  but a direct indicator that the engine had  "cracks" due to not being winterized, before freezing weather.  Often only or two nights with below freezing temperatures would be enough to cause the damage.  This would be apparent moments after first start-up.  Which is what you describe.  Now for the hard part.  Your engine is repairable.  A lot of expensive parts, like the starter, alt., ign. fuel system, etc are unaffected by the cracked block.  A good mechanic would get 15.5 hours to remove the engine , exchange the "Short block" and reinstall the  engine.  So, depending on the "price" of the short block, you could be looking at half the estimate you qoute.  I'd shop around.  This is unfortunate but something every marina sees every spring.  I regret that this happened to you.  It made no difference  when or how long the engine was ran on first start-up.  The damage was done by the freezing cold last fall.  Look forward... get the repairs made as economically as possible.  Good Luck!

Answer 3

well, if the oil wasnt changed they might not have started it either the cold cracked it but find out whats cracked and replace that part only you will save thousands

Answer 4

First of all, $12,000 is WAY too much.

Secondly, without hearing more or knowing the situation, something smells fishy here.

A further investigation could be necessary. Who winterized it? How long had it run before blowing? Was it under load or just idling? Is there another marina who can get you a new engine.

Personal note: I am very cynical when it comes to marinas and marine mechanics, many negative experiences. As I learned more about the business I was able to ask questions that gives them enough rope to hang themselves. Push them hard to prove everything. Always shop your options. Get a warranty on all work done.