[ColoradoDiablo]

Engine coupler toast maybe? Did it smell like rubber?
That is really strange!

Larry

[Gin Time]

I have t0 take a closer look at the engine. She's been sitting for nearly two years on the hard uncovered. I wonder if there was some "crap" that found its way on top the manifold and when temps rose it caused a little smoke? I've been so focused on rubbing the paint out and making her perty that I have not spent the time I should have inspecting everything in the bilge. The purpose of the first trip out was just to get an overall idea of how she runs. Clearly I have some work to do.

[Gin Time]

Originally Posted by ColoradoDiablo

Engine coupler toast maybe? Did it smell like rubber?
That is really strange!

Larry

Yes had a weird smell that I couldn't put my hands on. But yes, I would say it smelt like rubber.

[Gin Time]

After searching and reading about engine couplers it sounds like you hit the nail right on the head. However I never experienced any of the symptoms other than the sudden increase in temperature, smell and some smoke. I never had the feeling of a free spinning prop of high RPMs and low speed. Everything operated as it should. But then again I backed her down and crawled back in at trolling speed once this happened. How can I tell if it is in fact the coupler while she's on the trailer in my driveway?

[ColoradoDiablo]

Look on top of the back of the engine , you might have to use a mirror. At the very back of the bell housing towards the stern , you'll be able to see the the driveshaft running from the outdrive bell housing to the motor bell housing. It's like a inspection port.
Start the engine with your muffs on. Put it in forward gear use the mirror and see if you have any wobble. Here is a pic of it.



If it is wobbling you probably have a issue with the coupler or alinment of the drive.
Check out this site , it has lots of info!

http://www.sterndrives.com/sitting_engine.html



Larry

[Gin Time]

I didn't have a mirror but I did run it and check it out as closely as I could with the naked eye. The motor mounts are very solid and no movemebt of the engine or driveshaft from what I could tell. Didn't see any rubber shards anywhere. I did find that there was a purple wire, see pic, that was disconnected right where I noticed the little bit of smoke. I am researching what the wire is and if that could have been the issue.....

[Gin Time]

Read that the solid purple is for ignition. Could it be that is was loose and came off when at WOT and exposed the contact at the manifold and got hot and smoked????

[Gin Time]

Any thoughts? Looking to go out today and give her a try. Just don't want to get stuck out. I ran her for 5 minutes with muffs on and good temp, no smoke or smell. ???

[ColoradoDiablo]

No guts ....No glory Gin!
Keep a close eye on gauges. I got to thinking about the smoke and the poor performance. Watch and see if your getting blowby from the valve cover breather hose. That could be where the smoke is originating from. If so , definately run a compression check on the motor. Heck , I would anyway.
Good luck!!

Larry

[Gin Time]

Thanks Larry. I went to do a compression test yesterday and the plugs although easy to access are deep in so I need to get a deep socket. Maybe I will do that this morning and do a compression check first. I guess I can have the admiral at the helm while I keep an eye on the engine to see how she is and if smoke starts where it's coming from. I am in the Coast Guard Auxiliary and can have my mates come get me should she die but would love to spare some major harassment if able. LoL