Outboard motor submerged in salt water fix

Posted by admin in Outboard Motor on 10 24th, 2008 | 3 responses

In the occurrence of your outboard motor becoming submerged in salt water it is a good idea to do all or at least some of the following to stop it from ceasing and rusting.

If any sand/dirt is caught inside the motor please don’t crank it and go and get it professionally serviced.

If your motor is submerged whilst it is running:

1. Wash the motor completely with fresh water making sure you get into every screw hole, crevice or joint.
2. Completely drain all the fuel, discard that fuel and replace with new clean fuel.
3. Remove and replace the spark plugs or remove the spark plugs and wash them with clean water and allow to dry for 12 to 24 hours before replacing them back in the motor.
4. Hand Crank the motor while holding it upside down, on its side and at any angel you see fit to help drain the water from inside the motor. If you find that cranking is difficult, please see a professional to get it serviced.
5. Using Alcohol, Flush the crank case and cylinder to adsorb the water.
6. Wash all the parts that you are able to disassemble with warm soapy water, dry and then coat with oil.
7. Try starting the motor after all the above have been completed.
8. Run the motor for at least 30 minutes under load to heat it up and to clean it from the excess water and other particles.

If the motor was not running:

1. Was the entire motor with fresh water, making sure to get every spot.
2. Start the motor after you are sure you have washed it completely.
3. Run the motor for at least 30 minutes on load to dry the motor’s internals.