LIBoater
Member
Daughter 2.0 took the ski out last weekend and, this is a direct quote: "I just stopped to talk to a friend, it coughed and sputtered a bit, then it stopped and wouldn't re-start [not even crank], dad, honest" [yeah, right]... we got it back to the boat, but it would not crank (just a click or buzz from the solenoid). Based on my well-documented recent starting issues, I assumed it was the starter. However, having slept on it, I realized it could be hydro-locked. I removed the plugs and it still wouldn't crank... even by hand (turning the shaft). So, I pulled the ski and brought it home. Sprayed a healthy dose of PB Blaster into each cylinder and let it sit overnight... I then put some vice grips on the shaft and wiggled a bit and the pistons freed. She now cranks good as new, but, with the PB Blaster in the cylinders, I don't want to simply refit the plugs and start her up... as a result of this experience, I have a few questions, which I hope the brain trust on this forum can help weigh in with some answers/perspective?
1. How easy is it for these machines to get hydro-locked, what could have caused it (slowing down too fast and the wake back-washing in to the exhaust (and cylinders?), maybe?) and how can I prevent it in future?
2. What's the best way to make sure all the PB Blaster (and water) is out of the cylinders before I replace the plugs and try and start her up? Just crank and crank and crank until all the discharge from the spark plug holes stops (or reduces to mist?)?
3. I read somewhere about a magic product called "Bombardier Lube"... but I don't think it's made any more. I assume I should spray something (Bombardier Lube? Fogging Oil?) in to each cylinder to displace any remaining water and coat the cylinder sides?
4. Anything else I should consider before putting it all back together and re-starting?
Thanks in advance!
1. How easy is it for these machines to get hydro-locked, what could have caused it (slowing down too fast and the wake back-washing in to the exhaust (and cylinders?), maybe?) and how can I prevent it in future?
2. What's the best way to make sure all the PB Blaster (and water) is out of the cylinders before I replace the plugs and try and start her up? Just crank and crank and crank until all the discharge from the spark plug holes stops (or reduces to mist?)?
3. I read somewhere about a magic product called "Bombardier Lube"... but I don't think it's made any more. I assume I should spray something (Bombardier Lube? Fogging Oil?) in to each cylinder to displace any remaining water and coat the cylinder sides?
4. Anything else I should consider before putting it all back together and re-starting?
Thanks in advance!