Engine went for a long swim.

[littlemess]

Long story as short as I can make it: Our 1979 Evinrude 25 hp electric start was abandoned docked on a small island in Canada, (600 mi. away) because it would not start... no spark (which turned out to be a bad stator/magneto). By the time I got there to recover it 2+ days later, it was 4 feet under water (the storm of the century had come through in the mean time). The only thing I could think to do (with few tools, and very little time) was to pull the plugs and turn the flywheel with the wrap around rip cord. When the water appeared to be out of it I poured some 50:1 gas into the cylinders and turned it some more. then just some 2 stroke oil into the cylinders, put the plugs in a n cane home. I replaced the stator (after 10 days) and it started (on a muff). The boat is still in Canada so I have nothing to put the motor on to really test it. it ran OK at times seams to miss slightly but never stalled even at idle.

My question is: What else should I do to this engine. Should I run seafoam through it? Could the points be an issue? What would you do?

 

[iwombat]

Re: Engine went for a long swim.

Well, you did the critical thing of getting it started ASAP once it got out of the water. I take it this was fresh water. I'd run it some more, and if nothing was amiss consider myself very lucky.

 

[littlemess]

Re: Engine went for a long swim.

Yes, it was fresh water, crystal clear if fact. It was sitting on rocks (no sand). the skeg took a beating from the tip of the bow bobbing in waves, but the rest of it looks OK. It was 10 days however before I got it running again.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Engine went for a long swim.

i would pull the carbs if you haven't. your really lucky it wasn't running. clean all the electrical connections, water cause corrosion.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Engine went for a long swim.

You do seem lucky. I'd run it again for a while... try to get it on a boat and get it up to WOT to really see if there's any issues... (not on the muffs)

 

[F_R]

Re: Engine went for a long swim.

There might be some etching of the bearings. But what are you going to do if you tear it down and look? Say "yep, they are etched"? Or replace the etched parts?

Option 2 is run it and see if it survives over the long haul. It it fails, then you are back to where you are now. So, nothing lost by taking a gamble and running it. Unless it throws a rod thru the case that is.

 

[Harker]

Re: Engine went for a long swim.

I'd run it on 25:1 gas for a small tank full to get lube in all the internals. Your biggest problem will probably be electrical.

 

[littlemess]

Re: Engine went for a long swim.

What is the Max rpm you would run it on muffs or in a barrel?

I'm in Wisconsin and I don't see any chance of me finding a boat to try it out on prior to a long winter setting in!!!! So I probably won't run it at WOT until I get it up to Canada again (where the boat is) next June or July.

 

[kalla man]

Re: Engine went for a long swim.

fill a garbage can with water and run the motor in there. you should be able to throttle it up with no worries (out of gear of course) the motor will get all the water it wants

 

[iwombat]

Re: Engine went for a long swim.

In a big barrel you should be able to go about 1/2 throttle with a 25hp for short bursts. I wouldn't go up much higher than that. 25hp isn't so big that you'll need a proper test tank and wheel to see what's going on.

1/2 throttle will get you into the lower range of the main jets anyway.

 

[littlemess]

Re: Engine went for a long swim.

OK. Thanks for the advice. I ran it today in a trash can for a while getting it up to 1/2-2/3 throttle. It's running well!! So far it seems luck is with me.

 

[iwombat]

Re: Engine went for a long swim.

That's good. I'd run it all on its own at about 1/3 throttle for as long as you can stand it. Follow up with a decarb, then fog it and let it be until you're ready to put it on a boat.

 

[littlemess]

Re: Engine went for a long swim.

OK. I will do that.

I guess I'll have to buy a project motor so I can keep bugging you guys for advice over the long winter. My 13 yr. old son has really enjoyed working on this one, he'll be sad to put it to bed for 9 months. Perhaps we should change the water pump.

 

[iwombat]

Re: Engine went for a long swim.

Never hurts to change the water pump. Probably a good idea if it's been more than a couple of years.

 

[samo_ott]

Re: Engine went for a long swim.

Harker's idea of more oil for the next while is also a good one.

 

[iwombat]

Re: Engine went for a long swim.

Agreed. Probably want to run 24:1 for at least a tank.