Possible Submerged Motor ??

[Moody Blue]

Here is my concern. I bought a used motor on which the started motor was non-operational. I bought it non-running as-is. The motor is a 1970 Merc 800 that looks in amazing (flawless) condition. Owner promises the motor runs perfectly, was meticulously taken care of and has had very limited use. I got the motor home and took the starter motor apart and found a mass of rust inside. Must have been 1/2 cup of rust and debris came out of the housing. Everything was rust covered and flaking.

My assumption is that this motor has been submerged. I have gone over the exterior of the motor in fine detail and see NO signs of rust or corrosion, not even ON the starter.

Did a compression test (see other topic) and got good results I think. Should I be concerned about the motor?

My plan now is to get the motor running and get on the water with it. If there is internal damage I'll know soon enough I guess. I don't see the point in tearing the motor apart for further inspection. If its damaged there is nothing I can do ......... is there?

Is there any other way of looking a little deeper into the motor without tearing it apart?

 

[rdnk_4_lf]

Re: Possible Submerged Motor ??

well the starter could have gone bad and he replaced it with a used one that had been left outside

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Possible Submerged Motor ??

Pull off the transfer covers on the starboard side of the motor and inspect the cylinders, pistons and rings. Look for rust, although, if the motor had good compression, I doub't you will find any.

What about the distributor? Is it rusty/dirty inside the cap?

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Possible Submerged Motor ??

Pulled the distributor cap this evening and found everything inside clean(ish) and dry. No corrosion or other signs of water that I could see although the contacts could use some cleaning.

Would rather not pull the transfer covers if not essential. Then I'll need new gaskets. Are the transfer covers the intake side of the motor?

What else could cause so much rust inside the starter?

 

[j_martin]

Re: Possible Submerged Motor ??

Like post #2 suggested, the starter spent part of it's life in an outdoor junk pile, and got pressed back into service one day, rust and all.

Clean it up and try it out.

hope it helps
John

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Possible Submerged Motor ??

Hoping that was the story with this starter.

No hope of rebuilding it though. Brush holders, springs, brushes are all melded together. The two main thru bolts are a mass of rust and I had to pry them out of the holes they were so enlarged with rust. Armature looks very rough as well.

Will investigate further when time permits.