Salvaging A Soaked Marine Engine: Diy Tips And Tricks

A wet boat engine can be caused by a variety of issues, from a flooded engine to a drowned engine. A flooded engine is when the combustion cylinder is filled with more gasoline than required, causing the engine to stall and not restart until the excess gasoline has been cleared. This can be caused by bad spark plugs, a faulty cylinder compression system, or leaving the choke open for too long. A drowned engine, on the other hand, occurs when the engine slips its mount and falls into the water. This can be a result of a collision or other mishap.

To fix a flooded engine, one can open the throttle wide and wait a few seconds to send air into the cylinder to compensate for the excess gasoline. If this does not work, the spark plugs may need to be dried or replaced. For a drowned engine, the first step is to retrieve the engine from the water, taking into account the depth of the water and the weight of the engine. Once retrieved, the engine should be cleaned, drained, dried, lubricated, and tested.

Characteristics of a Wet Boat Engine and Their Values

Check the owner's manual for engine weight, fluid types, and steps for cleaning and restarting

The owner's manual is the first place to look for information on drowned engines. It will provide specifications such as engine weight, fuel and fluid types, and quantities. It may also identify the location of engine lift points and steps for cleaning and restarting the engine specific to the engine make and model.

The owner's manual will be crucial in determining the proper steps to take when dealing with a drowned engine. It will provide detailed information on the specific make and model of the engine, ensuring that the correct procedures are followed for retrieval and restoration.

The weight of the engine is a critical factor to consider when planning the retrieval process. For example, a four-stroke 150 HP engine weighs over 450 pounds, while dinghy or auxiliary sailboat engines typically weigh between 70 and 200 pounds. The weight of the engine will determine the type of equipment and human assistance required for retrieval.

In addition to weight, the owner's manual will provide information on fluid types and quantities. This information is essential for ensuring that the correct fluids are used during the cleaning and restarting process. It will also help in determining the steps needed to drain and replace fluids affected by the submersion.

The owner's manual may also provide guidance on the location of engine lift points. This information is crucial for safely retrieving the engine from the water. It ensures that the engine can be securely attached to the proper lift points, reducing the risk of further damage during retrieval.

Finally, the owner's manual may include specific steps for cleaning and restarting a submerged engine. These steps will be tailored to the particular make and model of the engine, ensuring that the correct procedures are followed. Following these steps can increase the chances of successfully rescuing the engine and minimising corrosion.

Overall, the owner's manual is an essential resource when dealing with a drowned engine. It provides crucial information on engine specifications, lift points, and cleaning and restarting procedures. By following the guidance provided in the manual, boat owners can increase the chances of successfully restoring their engine to working order.

Remove weeds, mud, and silt from the engine exterior

Removing weeds, mud, and silt from the engine exterior is an important step in fixing a drowned outboard engine. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Firstly, it is crucial to gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need items such as buckets, mops, rags, absorbent materials (sand or kitty litter), and a fire extinguisher for safety. Having these items readily accessible will make the cleaning process more efficient and help control any spills or leaks.

Next, locate and remove any weeds, mud, or silt that has accumulated on the engine exterior. This step is crucial as these materials can trap moisture and hinder the engine's performance. Use brushes or tools to gently dislodge and remove any debris, being careful not to damage the engine components.

Once the engine exterior is free of debris, it's time to give it a thorough cleaning. Use a mild detergent and freshwater to clean the engine exterior. Pay close attention to areas that may have been submerged or in contact with water. Rinse the engine thoroughly with freshwater, ensuring that all detergent residue is removed.

After cleaning, it is essential to dry the engine completely. Use absorbent materials, such as towels or compressed air, to remove any remaining moisture. Ensure that all electrical components and sensitive areas are thoroughly dried to prevent corrosion and potential damage.

Finally, it is important to lubricate the engine after it has been cleaned and dried. Apply a suitable marine-grade lubricant to moving parts, following the manufacturer's recommendations. This will help protect the engine from corrosion and ensure optimal performance.

By carefully following these steps, you can effectively remove weeds, mud, and silt from the engine exterior, contributing to the overall process of fixing a wet boat engine.

Drain water from the inner engine parts

Draining water from the inner engine parts is a crucial step in fixing a drowned boat engine. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Firstly, it is important to place the engine in an upright position and ensure it is securely mounted. You will need to tip the engine slightly on its side to allow for thorough drainage of water from the inner engine parts. This can be done by loosening the mounting and adjusting the position.

Next, gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need a spark plug wrench, a screwdriver, and absorbent materials such as rags, buckets, mops, and sand or kitty litter to control any spills or leaks. It is also recommended to have a fire extinguisher nearby as a safety precaution.

Once you are ready, remove the spark plugs using the spark plug wrench. It is important to tilt the motor so that the spark plug holes are facing downward to facilitate drainage. If you notice water on the spark plugs, you can dry them using compressed air or by laying them in the sun before proceeding.

Now, you can begin to hand-crank the engine. This action will help purge water out of the cylinder. Listen carefully for any grinding noises, as this may indicate the presence of sand or other debris inside the cylinder head. If you hear this noise, stop cranking immediately and seek professional assistance for an engine overhaul to prevent further damage.

After cranking, you can use methyl alcohol, commonly found in gas line anti-freeze, to absorb any remaining water in the cylinder head. Pour the methyl alcohol through the spark plug hole and then flush the water and fluid out into a bucket.

Finally, liberally coat the cylinder interior and the carburetor air intake with a spray lubricant while hand-cranking. This step will ensure that any remaining water lodged in the carburetor jets is purged.

By following these steps, you will effectively drain water from the inner engine parts, bringing you one step closer to restoring your drowned boat engine.

Remove spark plugs and crank the engine to blow out water

If you have water in your boat engine's spark plug holes, the first step is to remove the spark plugs. This is important because if you try to start the engine with water in the spark plug holes, water will enter the cylinders and cause significant problems.

Once the spark plugs are removed, crank the engine to blow out any remaining water. This step is crucial, as it ensures that the water does not cause damage to the engine. It is important to perform this step as soon as possible, as leaving water in the engine can cause it to freeze.

After removing the spark plugs and cranking the engine, spray engine oil into the exhaust port and inside the spark plug hole. Repeat the process of cranking the engine and spraying engine oil until no more water comes out. This step helps to lubricate the engine parts and ensure that all water is removed.

Finally, replace the spark plugs and start the engine. It is recommended to run the engine for at least 30 minutes to ensure that any remaining water is removed and to prevent rusting.

If you are continuously getting water out of the cylinders after the initial "blow out," there may be another issue, such as a bad head gasket, a bad intake manifold gasket, or a cracked block. In this case, it is advisable to seek professional help from a qualified marine mechanic.

Flush the engine with methyl alcohol to absorb water in the cylinder head

Flushing the engine with methyl alcohol is an important step in absorbing water in the cylinder head. This process is also known as "pickling an engine" and can be a challenging task for boaters. Here are some detailed instructions to effectively flush the engine with methyl alcohol:

First, it is important to understand the situation. If the engine was not running when it submerged, it will likely only require some cleaning and minimal maintenance to function again. On the other hand, if the engine was running, it has likely ingested water into the cylinder head and other interior parts, requiring more extensive maintenance.

Now, let's begin the process of flushing the engine:

Step 1: Prepare the Work Area

Before starting, ensure you have a safe and open workspace. Gather all the necessary tools, such as a spark plug wrench, screwdriver, buckets, mops, rags, absorbent material, and a fire extinguisher. It is also recommended to have a 55-gallon metal drum filled with water or access to a test tank for later steps.

Step 2: Clean the Engine Exterior

Start by removing any weeds, mud, silt, or sand from the engine exterior. Clean the engine thoroughly with a mild detergent and then rinse it with freshwater and a hose.

Step 3: Remove and Drain Fuel

Remove the engine cowling and rinse the exposed interior parts. Drain any remaining fuel into a bucket by loosening and removing the fuel line and pulling the line off the carburetor.

Step 4: Remove Spark Plugs

Using a spark plug wrench, remove the spark plugs. Tilt the motor so that the spark plug holes face downward to allow any remaining water to drain.

Step 5: Hand-Crank the Engine

Hand-crank the engine to purge water out of the cylinder. If you hear a grinding noise, stop immediately as this may indicate the presence of sand or other debris inside the cylinder head. In this case, seek professional help for an engine overhaul.

Step 6: Flush with Methyl Alcohol

This is the critical step to absorb water in the cylinder head. Pour methyl alcohol (commonly found in gas line anti-freeze) into the cylinder head through the spark plug hole. This will help to absorb and flush out any remaining water and fluids.

Step 7: Reassemble and Mount the Engine

After flushing with methyl alcohol, reassemble the removed parts and mount the engine on the 55-gallon metal drum or test tank. Ensure the engine is properly secured and upright.

Step 8: Start the Engine

Attach the engine fuel line to a tank of fresh gas and prime it as normal. Start the engine and, if needed, spray starting fluid directly into the cylinder through the spark plug hole.

Step 9: Run the Engine

Allow the engine to run for at least 30 minutes. The gas flow through the cylinder and the engine heat will remove any remaining water. The heat will also evaporate any water that has settled on electrical parts.

By following these steps and paying close attention to safety, you can effectively flush your boat engine with methyl alcohol to absorb water in the cylinder head.

Frequently asked questions