How long can motor be in water

[jlsjoe]

I've been troubleshooting my 1979 15 horse Evinrude for a while now and I've had it in a barrell of water for three consecutive days without removing it as I try different things/talk to folks try more things etc. It occured to me that maybe it is not designed to be continually immersed in water so I thought I'd ask if anyone has an opinion or information on this.
Thanks

Joe

 

[jbjennings]

Re: How long can motor be in water

Lots of folks leave their motors in boathouses for months or even years at a time. A few weeks would be no biggie at all, but I've noticed that those boathouse rigs have a lot of corroded lower units after a few years in the water. You're fine, though. No worries whatsoever.
JBJ

 

[Vic.S]

Re: How long can motor be in water

Some people have their outboards permanently mounted in a well, in small sailing cruisers for example. In salt water too.

No harm is going to come to it in a barrel of fresh water for a few days. If the gear case seals are not 100% you'll get some water in there perhaps but a few drops of fresh water is not going to do any great harm in a few days.

Check the oil when you are done for signs of water . I'll be a good test of the seals

 

[jlsjoe]

Re: How long can motor be in water

Sounds good guys. Thanks for the info!

Joe