Submerged Mercury

[BiXLL]

Without going into the whole story, I am now the proud owner of a 2002 Mercury 115 EFI 4 stroke with 1 1/2 hrs on it. The boat it was attached to, while tied up at a slip was turned over in the water. The motor was underwater for 3 days, and out of the water for 3 days. Is it possible that this motor is anything but junk? It is at a marine repair shop, but has had nothing done to it waiting for notification from insurance company as to what they wanted done with it. I want to get some knowledge from you guys, before I tell them to tear into it. What if anything should I have him do? What do I check for, and will I ever be able to depend on this motor?<br /><br />Edit: Motor was in fresh water

 

[hokey1]

Re: Submerged Mercury

As long as it was not in salt water you should be ok, if so the motor should have been disassembled right away after it was rescued to clean and inspect before the salt dried, if was in fresh water you shoud be ok' you still should tear it down and inspect bearings and crank surfaces etc. The electronics of it all may be a different story, they are sealed units but not intended to be submursed for along period of time.

 

[hokey1]

Re: Submerged Mercury

As long as it was not in salt water you should be ok, if so the motor should have been disassembled right away after it was rescued to clean and inspect before the salt dried, if was in fresh water you shoud be ok' you still should tear it down and inspect bearings and crank surfaces etc. The electronics of it all may be a different story, they are sealed units but not intended to be submursed for along period of time.

 

[imported_Mike_M2]

Re: Submerged Mercury

The longer it sits the worse it's gonna be. It should have been pickled emmediately after it was pulled out. If it turns, it might still be good. If it's locked up, i hope you got a good price...

 

[Joche]

Re: Submerged Mercury

I had the same problem the whole boat sunk or floted under the surface (same thing for the engine). I got the whole boat afloat in 2 hrs and new gas from my spare tank. Started it up, it coughed for a while but after a 15 min it worked fine. <br />data:<br />Mercury 115 2-stroke 1992<br />Buster Magnum 1992 http://www.busterboat.com <br />Freshwater <br />I think you have a much better chance of not ruining your self if you get the engine up and running as soon as possible if the engine block is cold when it is submerged.

 

[vinney]

Re: Submerged Mercury

The engine is junk. Unless it's torn down the second the engine comes out of the water. It will take the crank out in a short time. There is no way of getting all the water out of the bleed system and bearings. (unless you submerged the entire engine in a fluid to purge the water out of the engine). If is sat more than hours its JUNK. Don't mess with it unless you are doing it as a learning process.

 

[hokey1]

Re: Submerged Mercury

Just take the motor apart and inspect it at least you will know, i dont think it is junk especially since it was fresh water as you noted, just do it asap

 

[vinney]

Re: Submerged Mercury

I guess fresh water doesn't rust steel only saltwater. Its not the water that causes the problem its the air that starts the rust process. The crankshaft and bearings are junk IT may not come apart the first hour BUT it will come apart and When it hangs the rods outside of the block its real Junk. Three days out of water.

 

[BiXLL]

Re: Submerged Mercury

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br />Great news!!!! I talked to the guy that I took my motor to yesterday. I informed him the insurance case was settled and closed, and I had possesion of the motor. I asked him what he thought my chances were of it being any good. He said that he didn't tell me, so I would not have to lie to the insurance adjuster, but as soon as I left, he had flushed, and "preserved" the motor. He feels that there is 95% chance of motor being perfectly fine! He said his biggest concern is with the factory sealed electronics. I guess there sealing is not always sealed! He said he would have it done and ready for me in 2 or 3 days!