Submerged Outboard

[Pub911]

Dinghy deflated while in the water. 6hp Johnson (1993) fully submerged in salt water for 1 to 3 days. Engine now on dry land: wiped down, marvel mystery oil in both spark plug holes. Pull cord cranks engine freely, both in and out of gear. Air filter cleaned and dried.

What else should I do before trying to start it?

[arbarnhart]

[sailingdog]

Did you rinse it with fresh water??? That is probably a good idea.

[lbdavis]

I'd drain and refill the lower unit if I were you.

You mentioned that the flywheel is turning, but you might want to lube/oil it and every other mechanical fitting in there - like the throttle and gear mechanisms.

Good luck!!!

[lbdavis]

Originally Posted by Pub911

What else should I do before trying to start it?

Make sure the dingy floats!

[Pub911]

Thanks, guys. Keep it coming.

Funny, lbdavis.

[sailingdog]

Spraying the engine with something like WD40 to displace the water would be a good idea, after rinsing the salt water from it.

[hellosailor]

A fresh water wash--especially in the lower unit--to get the salt water out. Salt crystals are very abrasive. Then an alcohol rinse will get most of the water out, and as it evaporates it should leave bare dry metal. (Soak in sunlight or heat gently for a couple of hours.)

At that point it should be clean and dry, lube it, run it for a short while, change the oil AGAIN to see if the oil pulled anything more out. It you can check the second oil and there's no sign of contamination it in, you're probably OK.

The more throughly you get it cleaned out, the better chance you'll have no problems.

[75R20]

Originally Posted by Pub911

Thanks, guys. Keep it coming.

Funny, lbdavis.

It may be too late (time frame in the water) but you have nothing to loose.
option #1
Turn the motor so the plug openings are upside down and rotate the crank/flywheel. Then after whatever water does come out, turn it back over so the plugs are straight up and fill the crankcase through each spark plug with engine oil. Doesn't matter what you use but fill it. The oil will move through the ports of the motor and into the crankcase. Don't turn the crank completely, but in small steps to expose any possible covered transfer ports and add oil as the level changes. Then turn it upside down again and let all the oil drain out. Rotate and keep changing the angles until it rotates freely with the plugs out and there is no oil left. This could take a couple of days but you should try to do it twice and take your time.

option #2 ........pull the power head and disassemble it, which is what I would do.

Two strokes depend on the oil in the fuel to lube the entire crank/rod assembly and that oil comes from the carb/fuel mixture. The cranks run on roller/ball bearings and there surfaces are fragile to saltwater. I would also suggest pulling the carb and giving it a good cleaning. filling the engine so that oil runs out both the intake and the exhaust may seem like alot of work and a huge mess but what are the other options other then a new motor.

If it happens to be a four stroke..........
4 stroke.......Drain the crankcase and flush with oil at least twice, Remove the valve cover and flush out the area and re-oil each rocker/cam lobe with assembly lube. Pull oil pump, and claean and ensure pressure relief valve is not corroded. Clean carb as above.

Don't forget the fuel lines and tank if there was one in the boat.

Option #3
sell it with full disclosure

Good luck.

Kary
#49080

[chris_gee]

Have done this. There are the internals and externals. Looking at the externals flush them repeatedly then dry and use WD40. You don't want hydroscopic salt sitting on the electrics. Drain the gas and oil and then run for as long as you can. A big garbage can is more reliable than ear muffs which can fall off when you turn your back. You may well rescue it.