My 1987 115hp Merc OB got mostly submerged in saltwater

[hokiepoq]

The boat went mostly under at the dock and the "tower of power" went mostly under. We got the boat out and I took the cowling off and doused it with freshwater from a hose and let it dry out. The engine ran GREAT just the day before. Is this engine toast? A lot of the electrical connections show a lot of green and white corrosion. I know these in-line 6's have their fans. Do I part it out? I looked in the FAQ for 'what to do with a submerged engine' but didn't find anything. Thanks in advance.

 

[hokiepoq]

Re: My 1987 115hp Merc OB got mostly submerged in saltwater

ok, judging from lack of responses I'll assume most of the engine is toast. I can assume that the lower unit is good since it is largely sealed in itself, right? Seems the starter also cranks the engine so that might be of use to someone. The trim cylinders still work so someone may want those. Looks like EBay and Craigslist here I come!

 

[Yepblaze]

Re: My 1987 115hp Merc OB got mostly submerged in saltwater

Lower unit is probably ok.

There will be a number of salvageable components, but the motor internals are rust.

 

[jmburock]

Re: My 1987 115hp Merc OB got mostly submerged in saltwater

Parting out a submerged motor on Ebay is questionable ethically...Who wants to buy parts that were sitting in the ocean. It may be too late to salvage it now, would have been better off leaving it underwater until you tore it down completely and did it right.

 

[hokiepoq]

Re: My 1987 115hp Merc OB got mostly submerged in saltwater

Parting out a submerged motor on Ebay is questionable ethically...Who wants to buy parts that were sitting in the ocean. It may be too late to salvage it now, would have been better off leaving it underwater until you tore it down completely and did it right.

Yeah, I can see your point about ethics. I was just thinking that the lower unit is in the water anyway when it is in use so it is probably still good. I'm probably going to tear it down when I get home from vacation and see what's up with it. I'm no mechanic but I figure I have nothing to lose. The worst that can happen is I take it in for scrap metal value. A real shame I love the look of those in-line 6's and this was performed great. Hard to say goodbye to a good friend, but I just wasn't up enough on things to know that I needed to address saving the engine quickly. I always vow to only make each mistake once in my life and this is a first for me. Thanks for the comments.