Marine Engine

Question
I rebuilt my Mercruiser 350 engine a year ago, to be safe, I brought it to a local marina to check things before going out. They told me I had the wrong starter in it and would need to pull the engine. Seeing that I just put the engine in I wanted to talk it over with another expert first to be sure. I went back a couple of days later and they told me that they did the work already and the bill was $750 dollars, I was not happy. I told them I did not authorize the work but the said we that you would be happy that it was done. Anyway, It was the end of the season, and I did not have 750 on hand therefore, the held my boat. They called and told me they winterized it and now my bill was over $900. Now I'm pissed!!!they also charged a storage fee. Longer story short, I went and got the boat now $1,500.!!!! I went to drain the oil only to find about 2 gallons of clear water!!!! I removed the 8 plugs and found one cylinder with water in it. I'm overwhelmed with anger and hostility after spending a season rebuilding the engine for about $2,000 and now $1,500 more only to find out they !i&$ed me and possibly ruined everything. I poured four qts of oil through it, removed the plugs and cleaned, WD40 everything, visually inspected for cracks, so far none, finally  my question, what else can you suggest I do before attempting to start the engine?????????

Answer
Dear Jeff,

Sorry for your problems.  I would squirt some light oil into each spark plug hole to lube the cylinder walls and put a can of Sea Foam in the gas, then hope for the best.  After running for a while I would change oil and put in Mobile One synthetic.

Best of luck.

Harvey
www.boat-bottom-paint.com