a slight ingress of water....!

[tony345]

Boat developed a slight problem this weekend when the raw water in pipe became detatched from the oil cooler and filled the engine bilge with seawater.

Ok....when I say filled - I mean 6 inches worth which the flywheel then distributed everywhere.

This happened while at full throttle planing at about 28kts - so took me a while (10 mins) to realise what had happened.

Results - Engine stopped, had to be towed in by berthing master having not gone too far from the harbour.

Engine did subsequently restart once the bilge pump had emptied the bilge - although I didn't run it for long.

Here's the question - my mechanic suggests I remove the starter motor and alternator, and get them stripped and cleaned out properly - otherwise He reckons things should be OK after all has dried out.

Does anyone have any other advice ?? - Should I do anything else ??

 

[DAKA]

I would put the fresh water hose down there and have a really good spray around to wash away the corrosive salt water.

This should be done periodically anyway.

 

[Tim777]

Your mechanic is right, get the alternator and starter cleaned.

We had a sinking a long while back and I was advised to put the starter in a bucket of fresh water immediately prior to dismantling it and drying it all off. Dont try it with the alternator as parts go everywhere - leave it to a professional.

The real problem starts if the sea water gets into the wiring looms as over time it works its way up the wires causing all sorts of confusing problems. If the water only sprayed the installation it is probably ok but if immersed I would look to replace the affected sections and connectors. If on the plane the lift motors (assuming outdrives) could have been covered as the boat is nose up.

Spray the engine with fresh water and when it is absolutely dry spray with WD40 or GT85.

Good Luck

 

[PCUK]

Don't worry too much, the engine compartment lives in a salty air environment. Hose everything down with copious amounts of fresh water and leave it at that.

 

[Col]

Salty air a bit different to salty water. The flywheel will have sprayed water into the starter "snout" and will rust the starter dog and shaft. Do as your mech suggests, unless you want a bigger bill later.

 

[hlb]

Do, everything you can and immediately, don't wait for the rot to set in. The sea water will kill everything it touches. I've been there.

 

[Dave_Snelson]

I had a similar incident 3 years ago when one of my pulleys sawed its way through a loose fitting hose. It set up a high pressure fountain that sprayed my stb engine with salt over the period of a two hour cruise.

When I came to fuel up, I lifted the hatch as a matter of course to find the engine was a sparkly white as if it had snowed in the engine bay. The salt had crusted on the hot engine and in some places was two inches thick!

I had to break the salt lumps off and throw them overboard - then I got a hose and with the engine running, I hosed it down until it was clean and black once more. Then out came the WD40 and I emptied the lot over all parts of the engine - again while running.

I once inquired about starter motors and alternaters as to why Volvo charge so much for them? Why can't I fit the equivalent car parts? Turns out that they are not car parts at all, they are manufactured in a way that withstands the salty corrosive atmosphere in which they are intended to work.

Touch wood - mine are still working 3 years on.

 

[tony345]

thanks to everyone

Starter and alternator removed and sent for cleaning

A good clean down and wd40 this weekend I think