'05 Sportster SCIC Engine Seized - AUTOPSY REPORT

[ple999]

The shop I sold it to pulled the engine and found the cause: The exhaust manifold has a thin wall that separates the water jacket from the exhaust passage. This wall had corroded through, right at the #1 exhaust port, allowing that cylinder to suck water into the combustion chamber. The engine hydro-locked and ate a couple of valves. Without X-ray vision, there was no way to know this was coming. There was no external evidence.

 

[Joe Starbuck]

Was this a salt water machine? Flushing salt from the exhaust every single outing can get to be a chore for some.

 

[ple999]

Yes, it is a Florida boat and has been run in saltwater its entire 16 years. I bought it last year from the original owner. He gave it up because he had turned 82. He was very firm about flushing the exhaust and made me practice in front of him before he sold me the boat.