Marine mechanic (very well respected) talked me into a new long block after repairs to my stern drive separating from hull. "As long as we have engine out -- there are so many problems let's make it all good." We agreed on a set price, so I am good with the project -- but it is going sideways. New engine is in. All hooked up. But it sounds like an unmuffled dragster at the Saturday night races. I included link -- the sound in person is a lot more pronounced. Before the exchange the engine would purr inside the engine bay. Now it turns heads, even covered by the back seat cushion. On sea trial it came out of the hole pretty well, but the longer we drove the less power it had until it could barely get out of the hole and max RPM was about 3300. We went back to the dock where the mechanic is a bit mystified.
https://youtube.com/shorts/MA7UEtxjCv4?feature=shareEngine starts fine
Engine idles fine
Temp is a steady 170
Oil pressure perfect
Alternator charging perfectly
No water leak from engine
No liquids leaking, period
There is some smell of exhaust, more annoying than overwhelming.
Obviously, the mechanic is frustrated. He is now upside down on this project, and I will be, too.
He suspects the gasket under the plenum might be bad, hence the loud exhaust noise. Anyone else want to take a stab in the dark over what comes next? It's a great looking boat, excellent shape for its years (1996) and I am this close to selling it was a mechanic's special, if people even buy those anymore.
Thanks, as always.
Mark