The Keith Black Pistons Blow Apart
The engine has been stripped down in the boat. The damage is extensive - all eight pistons have blown apart or are on their way. The aluminum got so hot it vaporized - large pieces of the pistons are missing.
We are investigating the cause. The timing was checked twice. The carb was rebuilt. They performed perfectly in the dyno test.
Oil samples from the other engine are being analyzed and we should know this morning if the port engine has done the same thing. With all eight affected in the starboard the port will need to come out as well.
It was a very sad day for everyone involved in the restoration - she was running beautifully before the meld down. She was clipping along at 19 knots.
Dr Doug has jumped in to help rescue the disaster. He's been in the bilges helping G get to the bottom of the engine and wasting no time to resolve this for Captain Doug who is pictured here running the good doctor, with his wheel barrel and tools, back to Granville Island.
It was time to cry in the beer.
Man I am soooo sad to hear news like this, especially after you have put your heart and soul into the restoration. I note the use of Keith Black pistons, many people have used these as a basis for custom 427 pistons with good results.
ReplyDeleteThe only things I can imagine that would cause the motor to heat up like that would be poor ignition/fuel mix, a very poor automotive timing setting (and not following the dimple on the flywheel at 500-RPM while in gear for the marine Chris Craft setting), or a leaned out fuel mix (or both simultaneously), or perhaps an impeller that went out causing a catastrophic over-heating of the motor while running at speed.
Forensic review of the impeller and strainer, and coolant would give an indication of their integrity.
This could have been caused by advanced ignition timing, wrong plugs, lean fuel, intake manifold vacuum leak, sticking valves (perhaps incorrectly set for a solid lifter motor), insufficient cooling, poor lubrication.
I have considerable resources I can share with you if you need them on the 427 marine motor. Drop me a line at ChrisCraftCommander@hotmail.com
and I'll do whatever I can to assist.
Sincerely,
Paul