Hi,

Need any help / advice on this subject. My boat, along with my 115HP
Merc outboard was completely submerged as a result of hurricane
Isabelle. It was underwater for about 18 hours, with battery
attached, in brackish water.

It's had time to dry now – should I just try to start it and see what
happens? Or would that likely risk further possible damage? Any
suggestions?

Thanks so much,
Brian Klug

What year 115?

The basic answer is yes - though you wanna drain / clear the carbs and if it
has a distributor - drop the cap and clean it.

Pull the plugs and make sure it's clear of water first - then prime it and
fire it. You wanna start it ASAP after submersion.

-W



"Brian Klug" wrote in message
om...
Hi,

Need any help / advice on this subject. My boat, along with my 115HP
Merc outboard was completely submerged as a result of hurricane
Isabelle. It was underwater for about 18 hours, with battery
attached, in brackish water.

It's had time to dry now - should I just try to start it and see what
happens? Or would that likely risk further possible damage? Any
suggestions?

Thanks so much,
Brian Klug

"Clams Canino" wrote in message
et...
What year 115?

The basic answer is yes - though you wanna drain / clear the carbs and if
it
has a distributor - drop the cap and clean it.

Pull the plugs and make sure it's clear of water first - then prime it and
fire it. You wanna start it ASAP after submersion.


Hey clams, the engine can stay submerged for a long time, but you "wanna
start it ASAP after" RETRIEVAL, right? If you can't get to it right away,
it's better off under water.

Rob
*
*
*

That's the school of thought, yes. Best to move it from salt water to fresh
water though if you gotta leave it under.

-W

"Trainfan1" wrote in message
...
Hey clams, the engine can stay submerged for a long time, but you "wanna
start it ASAP after" RETRIEVAL, right? If you can't get to it right away,
it's better off under water.

Rob
*
*
*

In the event that the engine is accidentally submerged in water. Take it
out of the water and wash it with fresh water to remove all traces of salt
and dirt. Remove the spark plugs and drain the engine completely of water.
turn the flywheel several times using the starter rope. Drain the fuel line
and carburetor. Inject copious amounts of engine oil for storage or fogging
oil into the engine through the spark plug holes and air silencer. Turn the
flywheel several times with the starter rope while injecting the oil to make
sure the oil is evenly distributed. Spray the entire engine with silicone
spray to prevent rusting, and short circuiting. It may now be possible to
start the engine. However all the electrical components and carburetor will
soon deteriorate and become in operative. Be sure to have the engine
overhauled by your dealer as soon as possible.

If it is not possible to start the motor or have it serviced promptly
resubmerge it immediately in fresh water and avoid exposing it to air.

This is when the wife freaked out when both engines were in the two bath
tubs for 3 weeks.

Jack
"Brian Klug" wrote in message
om...
Hi,

Need any help / advice on this subject. My boat, along with my 115HP
Merc outboard was completely submerged as a result of hurricane
Isabelle. It was underwater for about 18 hours, with battery
attached, in brackish water.

It's had time to dry now - should I just try to start it and see what
happens? Or would that likely risk further possible damage? Any
suggestions?

Thanks so much,
Brian Klug

Please make sure you completely drain the fuel tank and clear all water out
and install fresh gas prior to start.
Also, if oil injected drain the oil tank and refill also.
You don't want water in the gas or oil.

Drain the carbs, remove plugs and turn over by hand to remove any water from
the cylinders.
Clean and dry all electrical connections and exterior components.
Grease/oil any moving parts on the linkages.

Crank engine.

Tony
My boats and autos - http://t.thomas.home.mchsi.com



"Brian Klug" wrote in message
om...
Hi,

Need any help / advice on this subject. My boat, along with my 115HP
Merc outboard was completely submerged as a result of hurricane
Isabelle. It was underwater for about 18 hours, with battery
attached, in brackish water.

It's had time to dry now - should I just try to start it and see what
happens? Or would that likely risk further possible damage? Any
suggestions?

Thanks so much,
Brian Klug

Hi Brian,
At least it was just your outboard, and not a person.
Rinse with clear water.
Dry the unit out thoroughly, Pull the plugs and turn the motor over to
clear the cylinders. make sure the carbs are clean and fire it up as
soon as you can. Change any oils including the lower unit.
Your battery is toast. replace it.

Capt Frank
http://www.home.earthlink.net/~aartworks

Brian Klug wrote:
Hi,

Need any help / advice on this subject. My boat, along with my 115HP
Merc outboard was completely submerged as a result of hurricane
Isabelle. It was underwater for about 18 hours, with battery
attached, in brackish water.

It's had time to dry now – should I just try to start it and see what
happens? Or would that likely risk further possible damage? Any
suggestions?

Thanks so much,
Brian Klug