1998 Ski Nautique

[NautiqueJeff]

I do have a line on a Python engine that is available right now........

[SilentSeven]

If the motor was mostly submerged, curious to see what electrical bits will still operate.

Interesting that crank case is filled with water but not the cylinders. Trying to visualize how that happens.... I suppose the water level could have gotten up to the top of the valve cover but not to the top of the throttle body? That's a pretty fine line. Where else would water get into the block if not via the oil filler cap or the dip stick? And then supposedly they ran it? But it still has water in the oil? Something feels like it just doesn't add up. I'm more wondering (sadly) if they didn't dry out the motor, replace a few things like the starter to get it running...and then discovered the block was cracked and that's how the water got in?

Does a python setup use the same transmission or does it use something like a 1:1? Also, doesn't it also require a larger motor box? Trying to remember.

[NautiqueJeff]

Yeah, those are my concerns too. I am hoping they pulled the plugs and got the water out of the cylinders, but just neglected to change the oil for some reason. Cracked block allowing water intrusion while running is a definite possibility though, especially coming from the cold climate of Wisconsin.

I started draining the oil this morning. Since it is cold and full of water, it is draining very slowly. I'll probably let it drain all day and then change the filter and refill it and see what happens.

Good question about the Python and the correct transmission. I'm not sure. It definitely requires a larger motor box. I have been wondering about having the original modified. I know a handful of good fiberglass guys around here, so I may go that route. Finding the proper original one would be harder than finding the windshield!!!

[SilentSeven]

Got tranny curious...some posts on CCF say the Python runs the same tranny as the GT 40 but swings a bigger prop.

https://www.correctcraftfan.com/foru...2-python-motor

[NautiqueJeff]

I was hoping that would be the case. Props are easy. Transmissions get expensive.

Got the oil all changed out. Took several hours to drain all of the sludge out, but it is all clean now.

I'll try to pick up a Group 65 battery this evening and hopefully try to fire it up tomorrow.

[SilentSeven]

Sorry if this is Captain Obvious....but I'd use some cheapo oil for the initial test. Save the good stuff for after you've confirmed the block is sound.

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[NautiqueJeff]

Yeah, I usually do that, but this is what I had at the house, so I thought I'd go ahead and run it. If it stays clean, it is the right oil for the engine anyway, so I can just leave it in. I'll probably have to change it again after running it though, but we'll see.

POURING rain here now, so I am done working on it for today. I'll go grab the battery and be ready for the test firing tomorrow!

[NautiqueJeff]

Got the Group 65 battery tonight, and quickly put it in the boat.

Found that the previous owner had changed the battery cable ends to marine ends!!!! Grrr!!! That's NOT what is supposed to be on these cables.

Ordered a set of adapters for the battery posts on Amazon, and they are being delivered overnight.

I did use some top quality engineering to temporarily connect the cables, just long enough to satisfy my curiosity about whether the engine was locked up or not, and to find out if the starter works or not. I am happy to report that the engine turns over just fine. I didn't start it tonight because there wasn't any gas getting to the carb, but I'll address that tomorrow. It has been sitting a long time. I hope the pump just needs some time to pump the fuel back up to the carb. I only cranked it for a few seconds.

So, we know the engine isn't locked up, we know it turns over, so the starter is good, we know the dash electrical stuff works. That's pretty good for nighttime work with only phone flashlights!

I'll have it running tomorrow!

[Boats Bros]

I’m curious to see what your top quality engineering looked like

[NautiqueJeff]

Ha! It looked like ring terminals taped to battery posts with electrical tape! Not something I recommend.

[NautiqueJeff]

Received the stupid Marine Terminal Ends this morning, which I shouldn't have needed!

I'll try again this afternoon to fire it up.

[NautiqueJeff]

Well, good news! It is officially running!

It sounds OK, but I only ran it for a few seconds because I didn't have any water running to it. I'm changing the impeller out anyway, so I don't care if this one gets trashed. And yes, there is no alternator belt on the engine.

[NautiqueJeff]

I am going to order a steering cable, a throttle cable, a shift cable, a breather tube, and throttle knob from NautiqueParts today.

I went over and checked my parts supplies on hand, and found that I already had the right belt set and impeller for this boat.

Once I get the cables and install them, it'll be time for a water test.

[SilentSeven]

Glad to hear it's alive. V8s are tough old beasts huh? Fingers still crossed for a happy end to the water test!

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[NautiqueJeff]

These things sure are tough. I have brought five or six back to life after being full of water, sometimes for several years!!!

Now I'll just have to see how it does once I have it pumping water. Hopefully the oil stays clean and that's the end of our concerns.