water in oil reservoir

[jerryatHarkers]

Have a 98 Evinrude Sea Pro 200. Somebody (me?) left the cap off my oil reservoir and that night it rained hard and long. Hole left open is about 3/4 inch wide and I estimate there may have been one or two oz of water going into the 2 1/2 gallon oil tank. Is this a major problem? Will the oil stay on the top or sink to the bottom of the tank? If I put some water Zorb or similar in the gas tank would that help absorb the water as it mixes the gas and oil? I am not very mechnical. Thanks for any help.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: water in oil reservoir

Water doesn't lube the bearings and pistons quite like oil. The water will settle to the bottom and that's what will get pumped to the motor. This happens more than you think. And then water gets in the motor and the failure is blamed on the "VRO". The pump didn't cause the motor damage, it was pumping what was in the tank.

If you haven't run the motor since this happened the oil line will still be full of oil. Let is sit overnight without moving. Then disconnect the oil line and use the squeeze bulb to pump out the tank. You should get oil at first (was in the line) then water, then oil.

If it were mine, I'd empty the tank and start over. Compare the cost of the oil to just one piston.

If the tank has a remote fill I'd consider doing away with it and just fill the tank directly.

 

[jerryatHarkers]

Re: water in oil reservoir

Thanks very much...do I have to purge the oil line of air? If so how do you do that? thanks

 

[Dhadley]

Re: water in oil reservoir

You'll be purging the whole time. If you empty the tank and refill just pump until oil comes out then hook up the line. It's always a good idea to mark the tank and watch it so you're sure it's using oil.

 

[jerryatHarkers]

Re: water in oil reservoir

really appreciate it

 

[Chris1956]

Re: water in oil reservoir

Jerry, Periodically I use a spare primer bulb and a length of hose to suck oil, water and junk off the bottom of my Johnny's oil tank. I pump it into a clear container and see what I have. The good oil can go back, the water and junk gets tossed.

 

[jerryatHarkers]

Re: water in oil reservoir

Good idea, thanks

 

[seahorse5]

Re: water in oil reservoir

Good idea, thanks

An easier way to suck out any moisture from the tank is to push about t 6" length of fuel hose onto a turkey baster. Tilt the tank to the side by the fill hole to get all the water in one spot, then use the turkey baster. Works like a champ!