Freeing A Seized Gw Invader Engine: A Step-By-Step Guide

The G-W Invader is a line of small recreational power boats manufactured by Arne Gray and George Wooldridge of Sharpsville, Indiana, United States. The company saw two main eras, driven by several important individuals whose contributions are highlighted in its timeline. The first era was the Wooldridge Era, which began in July 1963 when Arnie Gray met George Wooldridge by accident while looking for a home to rent. They formed Gray-Wooldridge, Inc. in January 1965 and built a factory on the west side of Sharpsville, Indiana. From 1967 through 1970, G-W Invader was at the pinnacle of success for the Wooldridge era. The second era was the Harmon Era, which began in June 1981 when George Wooldridge passed away. Roger Harmon, who shared Wooldridge's incredible passion for G-W Invader boats, vowed to bring the little boat company back to prominence. Now, onto the topic of unseizing a boat engine on a GW Invader. There are several methods that can be used to unseize a boat engine. One method is to use penetrating oil or lubricants such as BP blaster, Marvel Mystery Oil, or kerosene. These liquids can be poured or sprayed into the cylinders and allowed to soak for some time. Another method is to apply heat to the cylinders and tap the pistons through the spark holes. It is important to exercise caution and avoid applying flame or heat to motors with fumes or fuel. Additionally, it is recommended to check the powerhead and lower unit, and put penetrating oil into the crankcase to free up the crankshaft. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the cylinder head for better access and to inspect the engine for damage.

Remove the spark plugs and try cranking the engine

To remove the spark plugs from your boat engine, first make sure the engine is cold, as spark plugs get very hot. Disconnect the battery from the engine to prevent the possibility of electric shocks. Then, remove the cover to the motor and locate the spark plugs. Now, you can remove the spark plug wires. Gently grasp the spark plug wire boot near the spark plug and twist it while pulling upward. Avoid pulling on the wire itself, as it may cause damage. If the wire is stuck, you can use a spark plug wire puller.

With the wires removed, you can now loosen and remove the spark plugs. Select the socket size that matches the spark plugs and attach it to your socket wrench. Place the socket over the first spark plug and turn it counterclockwise. Be careful not to force it or apply excessive pressure. Once the spark plug is loose, continue turning it counterclockwise with your hand until it comes out. Repeat this process for all the spark plugs, being sure to only work on one spark plug at a time to avoid mixing up the wires and cylinders.

With the spark plugs removed, you can now try cranking the engine. This is a good way to remove any water that has built up in the engine. Crank the engine without the spark plugs until all the water comes out of the plug holes. Then, spray some engine oil into the exhaust port and inside the plug hole and crank the engine again to lubricate the parts. Repeat this process a few times.

Spray lubricant into the cylinders and let it soak

If your boat engine is seized, you can try to unseize it by spraying lubricant into the cylinders and letting it soak. This method is recommended for smaller engines or engines of low value.

First, remove the spark plugs from the engine. Then, spray a liberal amount of lubricant, such as Blaster, into the cylinders. Ensure that the engine is in a horizontal position with the plugs pointed up. Let the lubricant soak for at least a day.

After the lubricant has had time to soak, you can try to free the pistons by using a wooden dowel and a hammer. Insert the wooden dowel into the spark plug hole. It should be thick enough to fit snugly in the hole. Then, gently tap the dowel with a hammer. This action may help to free the pistons, allowing the engine to turn freely.

If the engine is still seized, you can try applying heat to the cylinders using a heat gun. Be cautious when applying heat to avoid any potential fire hazards. Rock the flywheel back and forth gently, and then try turning it slowly by hand.

If the engine still does not move, you may need to remove the cylinder head for better access and further inspection. This step may be necessary to determine the extent of any rust or damage inside the cylinders.

Apply heat to the cylinders

Applying heat to the cylinders is one of the methods to unseize an engine. This method should not be applied to motors with fumes, gas or thinners. It is important to exercise patience and caution when using this method.

First, ensure that the engine is not overheated. Overheating ruins the lubrication in the engine, causing the metal parts to melt and stick together or break apart.

If the engine is cool, you can proceed with the next steps. Remove the cylinder head to gain better access to the cylinders. Then, apply heat to the cylinders. You can use a hairdryer or a heat gun for this purpose. Ensure that the heat is applied evenly to all the cylinders.

While applying heat, tap the pistons through the spark holes. This can be done using a wooden dowel or a piece of metal dowel on the rods. This will help to loosen any rust or debris that may be causing the seizure.

Once the pistons are tapped through, it is important to allow the engine to cool down before attempting to restart it. This will help prevent further damage and ensure the safe operation of the engine.

Tap the pistons through the spark holes

Tapping the pistons through the spark holes is a method to unseize a boat engine. This method is suggested when the engine is stuck due to long periods of inactivity. It is important to note that this method should not be applied to motors with fumes and gas/thimmers.

To tap the pistons through the spark holes, you will need to apply heat to the cylinders. You can then tap the pistons through the spark holes using a wooden dowel. It is important to not use too much force when tapping, as this can cause damage. If the pistons are particularly stubborn, you may need to remove the cylinder head to gain better access.

In addition to tapping, you can also use a penetrating liquid to help free up the pistons. A mixture of transmission fluid and lacquer thinner can be used, or a product such as BP blaster. Soak the pistons in the liquid and then tap, testing as you go. This process may take some time and patience, but it can be an effective way to unseize a boat engine.

Remove the cylinder head for better access

Removing the cylinder head will allow you to better access the pistons and apply penetrating oil or other methods to unseize your boat engine. Here is a step-by-step guide to removing the cylinder head on your GW Invader boat engine:

• Ensure the engine is cool before beginning work.
• Locate the cylinder head bolts and use the appropriate socket size to loosen and remove them. It is important to use the correct size to avoid damaging the bolts.
• Once the bolts are removed, carefully lift the cylinder head away from the engine block. You may need to use a pry bar to gently separate the cylinder head from the block if it is stuck.
• Place the cylinder head on a clean surface or a piece of cardboard to avoid damaging it.
• With the cylinder head removed, you will now have better access to the pistons and spark plug holes.
• Inspect the cylinder head for any signs of damage, such as cracks or warping. If the cylinder head is damaged, it may need to be repaired or replaced before reinstallation.
• Clean the cylinder head and engine block surface to remove any dirt, carbon buildup, or other debris. This will help ensure a proper seal when the cylinder head is reinstalled.
• If you are unable to remove the cylinder head by hand, you may need to use a cylinder head puller tool. This tool will help you apply even pressure to separate the cylinder head from the engine block.
• Remember to keep track of the removed bolts and other parts, and store them safely so that they can be easily located during reassembly.
• With the cylinder head removed, you can now proceed with further steps to unseize your boat engine, such as applying penetrating oil or tapping the pistons through the spark plug holes.

By following these steps, you will be able to successfully remove the cylinder head on your GW Invader boat engine, providing better access for the unseizing process. Remember to work carefully and patiently, and always refer to a qualified marine mechanic if you have any doubts or concerns during the process.

Frequently asked questions