Started I/O with motor part way out of water

[Kyle Chism]

Yesterday was a beautiful day to go on the Ohio in Louisville, but I didn't have my head on straight. I backed the boat in and lowered the trim, but for some reason not enough. I started her up and ran it for about 30-60 seconds before I realized it while I was trying to back her in the water. <br /><br />The motor was getting at least some water in it, but the prop was sticking out of the water. I then stopped the motor, lowerd the trim, and backed her into the water. I ran her for about 1.5 hours and she seemed ok. Do you guys think I did any damage to the engine? I know the water impellar is tricky. Thanks for any input.

 

[Liam]

Re: Started I/O with motor part way out of water

30 - 60 seconds is not a lot of time. I highly doubt there is any engine damage. You only risk is of overheating, which cannot happen in 60 seconds.<br /><br />There is a possibility of losing fins on the water pump impeller if it is run dry. However, you ran for 1 1/2 hours after this. If the telltale is strong I would'nt worry.

 

[Kyle Chism]

Re: Started I/O with motor part way out of water

I did notice that the engine ran a little warm for a while, but it subsided later. It only ran around 200 when normal is 180. The engine did sound a little different, but that probably had to do with not putting the plug in the first time either. Like I said I didn't have my head on. I am still haveing acceleration problems though as we discussed previously. I hope to do a compression test soon, possibly before I winterize it. Thanks.