Reply To: SOLVED – 1957 RDE-19 35hp. Belly pan / exhaust cover.

[Don]

I am still concerned about just what it was/is that locked this engine up so hard.  You don’t see any evidence of problems when looking into the exhaust/intake ports?   Was it rusted?   Whatever was/is wrong seems like more than the usual rusted rings/cylinder syndrome.  I fear that attempting to run the engine now may further damage it.  I guess if it were mine, I would remove the intake manifold and try to have a peek inside the crankcase(s), perhaps you will see evidence or rust or mechanical damage.   Looking through the ports, were the rings rusted/stuck in place?

This has been a long thread so forgive me if I don’t remember all the details.  Did you ever drain/inspect the gear lube, or remove the gearcase to see if it was the problem binding up the powerhead?

At this point, only you can make the decision on what to do next.  If you decide to put it back together and run it, be very careful.  Run the engine for awhile at lower RPM, keep a sharp ear open for strange noises.  I just don’t want the powerhead to be destroyed if something more is wrong, then it decides to grenade while out on the water.