8.1 Crusader Valve job or worse

[paulr]

Hello,
I have a 2001 Carver 396 with Crusader 8.1's that were installed new in 2008.(there is 510 hours on them)
The port engine has no compression in cylinder #7. I guess at the very least it needs a valve job.
I have done valve jobs on 2 different boats with carbureted Marine Power454 engines during my 50 years of boating experience so I know what's involved with the engine repair. I was able to do these jobs while the boat was at the dock which made thing a little easier. However, Now, I cannot physically do this type of work any longer and need to get it done..
Does anyone know if there is enough room a the Carver to get the heads off without removing the engines from the boat?
When I start my search for a boatyard I would like to have a little more knowledge behind me.
Thanks

[waybomb]

Zero compression? Are you sure it's a valve? Did you do a leakdown?

[paulr]

I did not do a leak down test. I was thinking one way or another the heads need to come off.
I guess the big question is, can the exhaust manifolds and heads come off while the engine is still in the boat without the boat being hauled and pulling the engine?
I'm hoping the rings are ok because of the low hours on the engines.
There has to be people out there that have gone through this for all the initial problems the 396 had with with hydro locked engines due to improper elbow height being to low. Adding 4" risers seemed to have solved that problem. I looked at 396 that the owner bought new in 2000 and the engines were blown twice due to water backing up the exhaust tubes.

[waybomb]

Do a leak down on that cylinder or at least pull a valve cover off and check what you can before you do anything else.
I've had three Carvers and all were accessible.

[bud37]

Zero compression huh..... Good advice to have a further look....pull a cover, if it just came from storage a valve/lifter could be stuck and the valve stuck open. Hopefully.

Hydro lock does not sound good, I am curious if it did fail while the engine was running or on start up or after coming from storage?

[paulr]

Thanks for the leak down test advise, will do. It will me plan for a valve job or an engine replacement.
Regarding the hydro lock, that didn't happen when I owned the boat.
But there were 2 396's at my marina where it happened. (design flaw) Since Carver was still in business they actually did cover the cost of the engine replacements, the new engines had 4" risers installed that just had enough clearance for the elbow not to touch the under side of the solon floor.

[waybomb]

Then you should do the and before you hydrolock yours.
With ZERO compression, I think you'll find something else amiss.