Sunken

Joined
Aug 1, 2004
Messages
16
1969 Merc 650 submerged due to violent weather. We got it out after less than 24 hours in fresh water. I've read some previous posts - I understand the concerns regarding the boat... I just want to make sure I know how to care for the outboard. Sounds like long term electrical is the concern...?
 

Paul Moir

Admiral
Joined
Nov 5, 2002
Messages
6,847
Re: Sunken

Could be, could be worse.<br /><br />How long has it been recovered for? Did you take immediate action to flush it out and get it running again?
 

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: Sunken

Exactly Paul. It doesnt matter how long it was under (to a point), it matters how long its been exposed to air after it was up. Around here steel parts (crank, rods, wrist pins) start to rust in about 4 hours.
 

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: Sunken

Drain the carbs, get fresh fuel (small tank -- right now dont take time to drain the main tank if you have one), extra oil, pull the plugs, new battery, spin it over until the water is out, put the plugs in and let it run. The longer the better. Spray all the electrical with something like Pennzgard. Anything that displaces water.
 

Dhadley

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: Sunken

Also use lots of fogging oil. Let 'er smoke. Its gotta run long enough to build heat (t-stats open) to disapate any water in there.
 

AMD Rules

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Sep 23, 2004
Messages
1,707
Re: Sunken

Borrowed this text from another site:<br /><br />1. Remove engine as quickly as possible. <br /> <br />2. Remove Cowling. <br /> <br />3. Flush exterior of outboard with fresh water to remove mud. weeds, et. DO NOT attempt to start engine if sand has entered powerhead, as powerhead could be damaged. Disassebly of powerhead is a must if this has occured. <br /> <br />4. Remove spark plugs and get as much water as possible out of the powerhead. Most water can be eliminated by place engine in a horizontal position. (spark plugs down and rotate flywheel) <br /> <br />5. Pour alcohol into carburetor throats, rotate the flywheel. <br /> <br />6. Turn engine over and pour alcohol into spark plug holes and rotate flywheel. <br /> <br />7. Turn engine over (spark plug openings down) pour engine oil into the throats of the carburetors, while rotating the flywheel. This will distribute the oil throughout the crankcase. <br /> <br />8. Turn engine over (spark plug openings up) and pour 1 teaspoon of oil into the cyl's and rotate the flywheel. <br /> <br />9. Remove and clean Carburetors and fuel pump assembly. <br /> <br />10. Dry all wiring and electrical components with compressed air. <br /> <br />11. Disassemble the engine starter motor and dry the brush contacts, armature and other corrodible parts. <br /> <br />12. Reinstall spark plugs, carburetors and fuel pump. <br /> <br />13. Attempt to start the engine, using a fresh fuel source. If engine starts, it should be run for at least 1 hour to eliminate any water in the engine. <br /> <br />14. If engine fails to start, determine cause (fuel, electrical or mechanical). Engine should be run within 2 hours after recovery of outboard from water, or serious internal damage may occur. If unable to start engine in this period, disassemble engine and clean all parts. Apply oil as soon as possible.
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,089
Re: Sunken

Grumpy, My Merc was submerged in salt water for a week, before I could recover it. When I did get it into the garage, I needed to tear it down to its roller bearings and wipe the grit off each one individually. (There was almost no rust!) I have not run it under load yet, but it runs good "on the hose"
 

Chinewalker

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Aug 19, 2001
Messages
8,902
Re: Sunken

On that Merc 65hp, drop the magneto and clean it/dry it out. There are some bearings in there that are "sealed" but will allow moisture in and could rust up. Also, the points likely have water in them and will need to be dried out. Once running let it run with the cowls on and build up some heat to dry everything out. Take it for a ride, run it at the dock - whatever it takes. The longer you run it, the better.<br /><br />Quickest time - 17 minutes from breaking surface to running motor. The clock is ticking!<br />- Scott
 
Joined
Aug 1, 2004
Messages
16
Re: Sunken

Got the carbs and cylinders cleared out and the cylinders oiled up. Starter's working. Will get new fuel in to it tomorrow (25:1). Need to fix the damaged fuel line first. <br />Thanks as always for all the great advice.
 

ziemann

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Apr 28, 2004
Messages
584
Re: Sunken

Let us know how you make out. I will be curious if you can get her to run!
 
Joined
Aug 1, 2004
Messages
16
Re: Sunken

Well by now we've run her nice and smokey for over an hour, then today had her out on the normal mix for a ride. She's all there! Soaked seats are some heavy though.
 
Joined
Aug 1, 2004
Messages
16
Re: Sunken

Also - this violent weather sank 12 boats at a marina in the area as well as taking my 17' titan inflatable tramoline down the lake anchors and all and flipped it over!
 
Joined
Aug 1, 2004
Messages
16
Re: Sunken

The 650 is on a 14' Calypso Cutter fibreglass rated for 50. The bottom is smooth and fairly flat for like the whole back half of the boat. She leans in straightaways and dives about suddenly in turns. Played with the non-power trim a lot. Gonna try a different prop I guess. Anyone know about these type of handling problems? What's the deal with those wings for the outboards I've seen at the dealer?<br />Boat is used for tubing on small lake. Too erratic to ski with!
 

jafa

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Mar 10, 2004
Messages
172
Re: Sunken

Might now be worth going through the wiring harness and opening up the connectors and give them a squirt of wd40 to displace any trapped water.
 
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