submerged motor, 4hp, 1972

[scott_maier]

A guy in my neck of the woods has a '72, 4hp that has been sleeping with the fishes for a month(fresh water fishes). I don't know the story, behind it but it has something to do with a boat house. Assuming it was running before the dunk what are the chances the motor isn't a total loss?

 

[stackz]

Re: submerged motor, 4hp, 1972

if its not locked up, its possible to save. may have to let the electronics dry out for a little while though.

I submerged my mercury outboard in saltwater (accident) for about 20 minutes. got it home immediately and hosed it down with water to get all the salt water off the exposed parts. pulled the plugs and spun it by hand while spraying wd40 in the chambers. drained the oil tank and the carbs, replaced the fuel filter and pulled the starter and opened it up and drained it as well. basically, anything I thought could hold water internally was opened/inspected. got it all back together and filled with fresh oil/gas and cranked it up. still runs like a champ 3 years later.

but a month...I dunno man, probably got surface rust in the chambers and internals at the least. if not rusted and locked.

 

[wilde1j]

Re: submerged motor, 4hp, 1972

REMEMBER, ONCE IT'S OUT OF THE WATER (and do get it out of the water as soon as you can),
YOU'VE GOT 2 HOURS TO SAVE IT.

Following complete submersion of your outboard...

Submerged outboard engine treatment is handled three ways depending on the type of submersion

1. MOST CRITICAL - submersion in salt water

Salt Water Submersion ? If you can?t get it running very quickly, submerge in fresh water until you can. Then purge water from cylinders and crankcase (see below). Drain all carbs. Attempt to start ? if you can get it running, keep running for no less than one hour or more with load and rpm of at least 3500 to generate some heat and hasten the drying process.

2. 2nd Most Critical - outboard submersion while running (fresh water)

Fresh Water Submersion While Running - When an outboard is submerged while running, the possibility of internal engine damage is greatly increased. If, after the outboard is recovered and cleaned (see #3), and with spark plugs removed, the engine fails to turn over freely when turning the flywheel, the possibility of internal damage (bent connecting rod or bent crankshaft) exists. If this is the case, the powerhead must be disassembled. If the engine turns over freely, continue #3.

3. Submersion in fresh water, outboard engine not running

1. Recover the outboard as quickly as possible BUT leave submerged if you can?t work on it immediately.

2. Remove cowling.

3. Flush outside of engine with fresh water to remove mud, weeds, etc. DO NOT attempt to start the outboard if sand has entered the powerhead, as the powerhead will be severely damaged by this. Disassemble the powerhead if necessary to clean components.

4. Remove spark plugs and get as much water as possible out of the powerhead. Most water can be eliminated by placing the engine in a horizontal position (with spark plug holes down), then rotating the flywheel.

5. Pour alcohol into the carburetor throat (alcohol will absorb water). Again, rotate the flywheel.

6. Turn the engine over and pour alcohol into spark plug openings and again rotate the flywheel.

7. Turn engine over (place spark plug opening down) and pour engine oil into throat of carburetors while rotating flywheel to distribute oil throughout crankcase.

8. Again turn engine over and pour approximately one teaspoon of engine oil into each spark plug opening. Again rotate flywheel to distribute oil in cylinders.

9. Remove and clean carburetors and fuel pump assembly.

10. Reinstall spark plugs, carburetors, and fuel pump.

11. Attempt to start engine, using a fresh fuel source. If engine starts, it should be run for at least one hour to eliminate any water in the engine.

12. If engine fails to start, determine cause (fuel, electrical, or mechanical). DO NOT allow engine to remain idle for more than 2 hours, as serious internal damage will occur.

 

[AEROCOOK]

Re: submerged motor, 4hp, 1972

The most critical time period is between removing it from the water and completing the necessary servicing and getting it running again, this needs to be done within a few hours. If you dont have the tools or the time it is best to leave it submerged until you do. Once running, take it for a good long run, the longer the better, the heat from the motor running will get rid of any water still in the motor but it wont happen in 10 minutes..

 

[Will Bark]

Re: submerged motor, 4hp, 1972

My 15 Rude laid under water for two weeks after Katrina before I could even get to it and out of the water(fresh) I did everything Wild1j says do except I had to deal with sand every where. Once cleaned up and running it has not failed me since. Good luck

 

[F_R]

Re: submerged motor, 4hp, 1972

Phooey, if it has been under water for a month, it needs to be completely disassembled and inspected. Chances are very great that the bearings are etched. If so, they won't last long, even if you do get it running.

 

[boobie]

Re: submerged motor, 4hp, 1972

I came from a fresh water resort area and have had mtrs down over a month or so and as long as you got them running right away when they first pulled them out we never had any probs and didn't have to pull them down either.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: submerged motor, 4hp, 1972

Once those bearings and journals get water marked, it's done for

 

[F_R]

Re: submerged motor, 4hp, 1972

I came from a fresh water resort area and have had mtrs down over a month or so and as long as you got them running right away when they first pulled them out we never had any probs and didn't have to pull them down either.

OK, proceed then. You wouldn't do it, but many people would get it running and find some some sucker and sell it to them.

 

[boobie]

Re: submerged motor, 4hp, 1972

These mtrs were stored in the shop I worked for every winter and put away properly. In the spring we would fire them up and they'd run good the rest of the summer.