OMC 130 Inboard submerged (won't start)

[shawn_rambo]

I am a new boat owner and recently went out for the first time. I ran into a bit of a problem pulling my boat up the boat launch (too steep, 2 wheel drive truck) Due to the angle of the launch, water came over the back of my boat and filled my engine compartment, in turn submerging my engine completely. I did get it out by using another vehicle to pull me out. I went home and drained the oil and replaced it. Now my engine will not start, it does crank over fine but won't start.
Also, the engine had not been running at full speed (bogging down at full throttle) . What should I do to get my engine started and fix the bogging down problem which was not happening all the time, but has recently been permanent? (carburated engine)

 

[Coors]

Re: OMC 130 Inboard submerged (won't start)

First, why didn't the stern float? Were the straps still on it?
Second, Pull the plugs and spin it over now! You may have water through the intake, Squirt oil in the cylinders, and spin it over a bunch.
Third, your distributer is probably full of water, handle that.
Fourth,if your starter is not toast now, it will be, replace/have it rebuilt
Fifth, if alternator got wet, re-build
Sixth, every wire connection needs to be cleaned, and di-electric greased.
Sorry, but you hosed it, and you need to take care of it now, not tommorrow.

 

[shawn_rambo]

Re: OMC 130 Inboard submerged (won't start)

Thanks for your responce. This happened while taking my boat out of the water (no straps) I believe the steepness of the launch paired with a slight wave was the reason for the water entering the back of the boat, and billowing into the engine compartment. I'm definitely going to take your suggestions and hopefully I'll have my baby back up and running for the long weekend. I can't wait to get back out to the Kawarthas, and land some nice fish. I'm also going to stay away from steep boat launches.

 

[Coors]

Re: OMC 130 Inboard submerged (won't start)

Cool, but get the water out of the cylinders now!

 

[Manipulator]

Re: OMC 130 Inboard submerged (won't start)

I would have imagined the thing would have been hydral-locked. Surprised it even turned over. Coors is on the ball. I would do what he says. Things need to dry out, getting it running and heating up will help. I agree, distributor is probably full of water. No way it will start (no spark). Pop the cap off and have a look. Might not be full of water, just wet. If you have a compressor, take the top off, blow it out with compressed air. Again, let dry out. Take the plugs out like he said, turn it over to help expel any water. Spray some fogging oil or WD40 in there, turn it over a few times and leave the plugs out. Let it dry over night. Then make sure distributor is dry, put plugs in and see if it will fire. If it does you can run it a little while on muffs. Check the oil for water. I would change the oil and the filter again. You may not have to replace the alternator and starter. It wil have some life but will probably wear prematurely (maybe, maybe not).