SUNK MOTORS

This bit of information is for smaller outboards. Unfortunately, sometimes a motor will go under water. Here are the official rules for handling such a situation. The main thing to consider in this situation is that time is of the essence. The official rule is that you only have a few hours to get the engine going once it is recovered (see exceptions to the rules below for salt water) in order to avoid internal damage.

What to do

If possible rinse the engine with clean water to remove any trash. The first major chore is to drain the power head. Remove the spark plugs and turn the motor so the plug holes are facing toward the ground (the motor is horizontal). Turn the flywheel by hand clockwise until all the water that is going to come out has done so. You also need to drain the carb (if you have trouble getting into the carb try turning the motor up side down for a few minutes, the water might drain through a vent hole). Then get the motor started and run it at a strong idle for ten to fifteen minutes to help dry it out and get everything coated with oil. Finally, if possible head for the lake and take a long boat ride.

Getting the thing started sometimes turns into a chore. The residual water in the block tends to short out the spark plugs. Starting with a new set of plugs will help a bit. If after pulling the starter rope several times the engine seems completely dead pull the plugs and check for water. Dry them off and go at it again. If the plugs keep fouling try draining more water from the block. Eventually the engine will start.

If you are in a situation where you cannot work on the engine for some time the best thing to do is submerge the power head in fresh water (for example fill a garbage can from a hose and put the engine into it up side down). This will keep the air off the metal and prevent rust from starting.

Exceptions to the rules

If it went down in salt water the story changes. Within two hours of sinking you need to have the motor disassembled and cleaned. Salt water (or polluted water) creates a chemical reaction with the metal and does serious damage. Submerging in fresh water will not help in this case. If this cannot be done (most of the time it is impossible) the next best thing is to get the water out of it (as outlined above) and get the motor running.

If the engine went down while running you need to give it special consideration. It is possible that sand, shell, etc. has gotten into the works and this can cause serious problems. There also could be mechanical damage although I've yet to see that happen. When you turn the flywheel (by hand) if you feel any binding or unnatural resistance do not start the engine. It needs to be disassembled.

I have seen a lot of sunk motors in my time. There were just a few that didn't make it. Most of the ones that did make it never were 100% but they lived. By following the above you'll minimize the damage.

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