C28 - FOD (foreign object debris) in your bilge

[JonR]

Several weeks after having the starter replaced in my 2014 C28 Cutwater, I suddenly experienced a significant oil leak, even when the engine was not running. Unfortunately, this resulted in a fairly significant oil spill within the marina causing them to have to place booms around roughly the 5 surrounding slips. Coast Guard got involved as well. NOT GOOD!

When I finally got permission to leave the marina for repairs, I had the engine removed. The theory was that the oil pan had corroded to the point where is had begun to leak. Of course, one of the major jobs was to clean out the bilge which was full of oil. When cleaning, a small socket was found - really didn't think much of it at 1st - assumed that the 1st owner had dropped a socket. However, when the oil pan was pulled, it became obvious that it had not corroded but a large crack in the port side was found in the same area as the forward motor mount (under the starter). Looking closer, there was 'rub marks' that could be seen in the hull in the same area as the cracked oil pan and you could see where the pan had been rubbed until the pan was worn to the point where it cracked. Most likely, the 12 mm socket got lodged between the hull and the pan and ultimately resulted in the damage described above.

I'm not sure how the socket got there (I had a qualified technician replace the starter) but the result was devastating. I'm sharing this as a warning to others - no FOD in your bilge! The distance between the engine and hull is minimal.

For those wondering if I pursued this with the technician, I did not. He replaced the starter as a 'side job' and there is no way to prove that it was his socket. It could have been there before he changed the starter? I just chalked it up to 'another hard lesson learned'.

And, while the engine was out, I had the opportunity to do some things:
Replaced all the raw water and closed loop water hoses
Replaced the serpentine belt
Replaced the water pump impeller
Replaced the engine zincs
Replaced the 2 rear motor mounts (expensive buggers)
Replaced the forward Bilge pump
Put in a PYI dripless shaft seal
Had my prop balanced
Added a thru hull sending unit
New bottom paint
Added Bennett down tabs (thanks to the forum) to my trim tabs
Had the transmission rebuilt
Replaced the nonfunctional outlet in the Bilge - the original install was stupid - installed right in line with the 'shift drip' and when shaft is turning at cruise (if you're dripping a little too much) salt spray gets slung right towards the outlet. The original box cover had to be open to plug in the engine heater so there was no protection.

Fortunately, my Nephew owns a large boat repair shop so we pulled the engine at no cost on a weekend and I'm not having to pay for 'dry dock' time. Still, it is an expensive lesson to learn. Hopefully she'll be back in the water in the coming week.

 

[Katmat]

I would show the socket to the guy that replaced the starter & ask him if he lost it. Mine set your mind at ease!

 

[scross]

JonR,
Thanks for posting your story. Sorry to hear about the damage. Ouch!
Every time I work on the engine I fear dropping a nut or washer or other small part into the bilge area. When that happens it frequently takes me more time to retrieve the dropped object than the time spent on the work I was trying to get done!
I do wonder if damage caused by a foreign object accidentally dropped into the bilge would be covered by insurance. Obviously, insurance doesn’t cover normal wear and tear or mechanical breakdown but this seems to be a different situation.
Any insurance experts out there care to chime in?

 

[Headlee]

Sorry to hear about your issues and I wouldn't want that to happen to anyone. However, it does give me several things to think about and check on my C28. As a small consolation you got a free 12 mm socket out of the ordeal.

 

[BB marine]

This is an interesting thread. When I replaced the Turbo it required removal of the after cooler which allowed for a good look at the bilge and clearances. The installation of the D3 Volvo in the compartment is tight. I found the oil cooler hose rubbing hard against the fiberglass stringer and the after cooler air tube had been rubbing against the engine stringer. I was able to install "softeners" to protect them from wear. I would assume from this thread that the clearances are marginal at best with the D4 in the C28 too. A 12mm socket is not large. I can't count how many times I have dropped sockets, screw driver bits, nuts bolts in the land of "forever gone " the bilge. Many times the clearances are not large enough for the items to make it to the bilge. I have a ritual, when I am working on the engine the first tool out of the tool bag is my extendable magnet. Many times I search the bottom of the bilge and don't come up with the item. I find the item lodged between the engine and stringer. I'm not saying this is a issue exclusive to Rangers and Cutwaters, it is an issue found in many production boats in the size range of 21' to 30'. This thread is a good heads up for all of us to keep a clean bilge and inspect tight clearances between the engine and stringer.

 

[JonR]

I have taken pictures and may approach my insurance company. Although actual cost to pull the engine was minimal since my nephew (the owner), my son and I pulled the engine on a weekend and there was no cost to haul out or store. The oil pan was approx. $500 and that's close to the insurance premium so I'd get reimbursed for is oil/filters etc. I couldn't believe the cost of the volvo penta hoses though - nothing under $50 - the small 50 mm 'rubber hose' between the 'charge air cooler' and the 'fuel cooler' was $105 - 50mm - that's roughly 2 inches! The motor mounts were $600 a piece.

Still, it was a hard lesson to learn. That same technician, the one who installed the starter, laid heavy duty paper towels down to catch any bolts or tools that dropped - he actually mentioned it while I was there. Another reason I choose to just call it a learning experience.

The problem with magnetic tools on a boat - lots of stuff is stainless

 

[scross]

JonR,
Thanks for the additional comments. Most of us are not fortunate enough to have a nephew who owns a marine repair shop. I hate to think what my bill would have been for that kind of repair.
I had guessed, apparently incorrectly, that the big mess at the marina waters had incurred significant expense. The marina and CG didn’t send you a big bill for their efforts?

 

[JonR]

I know - I feel very fortunate to have his full support. It would have been $1000s more than it was and it did allow me to check a bunch of things off my wish list. It also allowed me to become much more familiar with my boat and my engine. Being able to change my own oil and the other maintenance items will ultimately save me money in the end.

I hadn't really thought about Marina costs in my response. The marina charged me $250 for their effort and for the oil soaking towels that they had to use - I thought it was very reasonable. When the Coast Guard arrived, they said 'If they felt it was intentional or if I had tried to lie and say it wasn't my boat and they discovered that it was, it could have been as much as $43,000! However, given that I immediately responded and took responsibility, it would probably be about $50'. I have yet to hear from them. We will see....