Please help!!!! Water got into combustion chambers! ! ! Now what?

[jgresham75]

Engine locked up while out today. Would not turn over. Came home, pulled plugs and water came out.... Now what do I do? Boat has been running fine all summer. Put new GM long block in two years ago. I always pull my manifolds every year or so and check for thin walls, anything that could cause a leak. Took boat out today and ran fine for a while for about 20 minutes, stopping and starting. Turned it off to change skiers and wouldn't turn over. (I do know not to go into reverse when going forward.) Fearing the worse, I got home, pulled the plugs and water came out both sides. I will find out what happens later. Boat sat with water in chambers for about 4 hours until I could get towed back to dock and get back home. But now, my biggest concern is how to save my motor..... I pulled all manifolds, pulled the plugs and turned it over. Now what should I do to ensure the engine is not totaled? Please help me. I will be following up several times today. Thanks in advance.

 

[coolbri70]

change the oil and run it then change the oil again, my guess the water came up the exhaust some how

 

[jgresham75]

Unfortunately I think my manifolds are shot so I can't start right away but what is best to save the cylinders once salt water is removed?

 

[Dave-R]

I don't think you damaged anything. What you need to be careful of, is stopping real fast, and turning your engine off while the boat is still traveling Engines can take on water when beached when waves can slap up high on the stern also. Squirt some oil in the cylinders, and fire her up on the muffs to build up some heat . Any time you are in rough water and have waves high on the stern, there is a chance the water can reach the engine. Keeping the engine running will help. Dave-R

 

[coolbri70]

Unfortunately I think my manifolds are shot so I can't start right away but what is best to save the cylinders once salt water is removed?

lots of oil, everywhere. cant overdo the oil

 

[Dave-R]

You say you had water coming out of both sides of the engine! That would mean both manifolds failed at the same time. I don't think so. I think you sucked in a little water. How I don't know. Pull the plugs, squirt in a little oil and turn the engine over. If everything looks good, put the plugs back in and run it on the muffs. Let us know what you find. Dave R.

 

[Bigdave196]

In your "Y" Pipe, Assuming that your not a thru-hull exhaust, I am willing to bet that your Exhaust "Flappers" are not present. They keep water from coming back up the exhaust system and into your manifolds. They are like $20 each or so. I learned about these when I was running really hot on one manifold and I was having power issues above 2500rpm. One flapper finally broke and became lodged in the Y pipe and restricted the exhaust.

Now as for the rest of the engine, go to an auto parts store and get a compression tool. they are usually $30-$50 and do a compression test on each cyl. you should be around 150psi in each cyl, depending on the motor you installed. If all are close to each other 5-10psi and you have cleaned your plugs, re-install your plug and give it a whirl. If you have less PSI, you may have done internal damage to either the Connecting Rod, Valves or Piston and you will be looking for a new or rebuild here shortly.

Good luck, I hope I helped some.

 

[funk6294]

At minimum I would go pick up some fogging fluid and spray it into the cylinders, intake, and exhaust ports to help keep things from corroding while I figured out what was going on. As it was noted earlier, check/change the oil and get it started back up a lot sooner than later. Mathis will help evaporate any residual water from the engine and ensure that every this is well oiled to help stop rust.