Sunken motor help needed

Howard

Well-known member
I managed to spin my 25 horse off the transome today. It went under twice and I couldn't get it back on the boat so the rear half of the power head was in the water for about an hour and a half while I paddled back to the launch.

I took the plugs out and pulled the rope till it quite spitting water, sprayed WD-40 every where I could think of, cleaned the plugs and it started on the second pull. Let it run for 10 minutes or so and it started back up with now problem.

Am I out of the woods or is there more I should do? First time I have had any experience with a sunk moter. Oh yeah, the York River is salt water.
 
Saltwater is the big factor. How salty? Just a little brackish or ocean salty?
I would think you need to rinse the whole block with warm soapy water, clean all the exposed contacts & wires and relube everything.

Then, take the engine to freshwater, back the boat in & run that sucker for a while. Get it up to running temp and keep it running for at least 20 minutes. You need to drive all the moisture out & get some lube in all the nooks and crannies. After that, it should be ok.
If in doubt, take it in & have it done professionally.
 
You need to pump the WHOLE motor full of oil and let it sit. Then tear it down and check everything out.

If you aren't used to taking outboards down take it to your nearest outboard mechanic you trust ASAP.

Tell him exactly what happen and he might be able to save it.

I know this probably isn't what you want to hear , but I am relaying this from first hand experience.

It's the water trapped in area's you can't get to that might cause you problems .
 
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just one other point wd-40 is not the best item to spray as it draws moisture and will make marine applications rust or corrode, try to use something like white lithm grease or the seadoo sparys.
you can also put a little motor oil in each cyl and move the pistons up and down , it will smoke allot the next time you run it but will help save the cyl walls
 
Howard ,

Take out the plugs and get some Marvel Mystery Oil in it Quick!! This oil will lube the pistons and what not real good and will burn off , it will smoke alot but at least you will be running . Soak down the outside of the block with it as well . Will the motor turn over still? If it does do what ever needs to be done to get it going and let it run for a long while with a high oil to fuel ratio( 50:1) or something . Good luck



Dave
 
Howard,

Carl and Lee's advice is right on the money. You already did the most important part by getting the water out and starting it as soon as possible. The crankshaft pins where the rod bearings ride and the bearings that support the crank are very susceptible to rust and they can get pitted very fast. This is why Lee's advice to run a bit stronger oil mix is good, more oil to coat and lube everything inside. Carl's advice is also correct to get it up to operating temp and run it for a while to help boil any water out of it.

It probably would be a good idea to pull the carbs when you can and give them a good cleaning. I'd also pull the recoil apart for a good cleaning and lube job. While you're at it might be a good time to do the lower unit oil, grease any zerks and pull the prop to put some anti sieze or grease on the shaft. Hey while you're working on it you may as well do the whole routine maintenance since you got the toolbox out!

Hope this helps,

Jim S
 
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