Engine partially submerged - what to do?

[ridgy]

Oh dear, I leave my boat unattended for a couple of month and return to find it partially flooded, to about half way up the engine.

It is freshwater (leaves had blocked the cockpit drains and rain ended up in the bilges via a hole in the cockpit).

It is a Vetus M204 and submerged the oil dipstick, gearbox, and the starter motor.

I know a little bit got in through the dipstick hole but I'm not concerned about that as it is only about 1cm higher and presumably the water is at the bottom of the sump, being heavier than the oil so I can just drain that and replace the oil. Likewise the gearbox I can just drain and refresh. Am I correct in my confidence?

My big concern is the starter motor. I haven't tried it yet...is there any hope for it?
Cos I can't take it off without removing the engine and that would be unfortunate to say the least.

Thanks,
Nick

 

[Csail]

I had the same and needed a new starter motor....it was fine for a while but failed just when i needed it!. Check gearbox oil as water might have got in through the breather. Drain engine oil and WD40 all bits.
Then fit auto bilge pump.

 

[ridgy]

Cheers...could you expand on "WD40 all bits"?

 

[sailorman]

externally where ever it will reach
20 squids will buy an auto pump /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[lw395]

Likewise I don't think I would trust the starter motor, so unless its something thats trivial to hand start, you need a new one.

 

[Scotty_Tradewind]

Getting the damp out of all parts is obviously a good idea to avoid damage and in the case of the starter motor, to avoid shorting out.
I would take the starter motor off and and possibly open it up and blow it through thoroughly with an air line ( wear goggles) Then leave it in a very warm place for a week. i.e. on top of a central heating boiler or similar, before reassembly and lubricate where appropriate.
I've done similar to the electrics of outboard engines and as long as you don't try to use until bone dry, they have always come good.
best of luck..

 

[tri39]

As Scotty says the starter motor may be rescuable. Are you sure it can't be removed with the engine in situ!?
I now have a small hole in the bottom of the engine bilge all winter while lifted out. Easily sealable for sailing with a bolt and penny washers.

 

[mikecontessa26]

I did the same thing, but my cockpit currently drains in the bilge and the cockpit cover failed after the snow.

if leaving the boat out of the water for a long time you could take the hose off the engine seacock and leave open, then the water won't get above this level.

A cockpit cover should also keep leaves out.

Good luck

Mike

 

[Wino]

You should do as much as poss as quickly as you can - drain all oils - gearbox and engine - and refill with new. Change all filters, then if you can start the engine by hand try and get it going and run it for a while, then do all as above once again. As suggested spray all external metal surfaces with WD40. I would suggest taking off starter if at all possible, if not I doubt if you will ever get it dry enough to ever work properly again, if you can get it off I would take it to an auto electricians and see if they can clean it out for you.
Wishing you the best of luck!
Roj

 

[JerryHawkins]

I had similar last year, albeit salt water. Like Csail I needed a new starter motor; fortunately mine let me know it wasn't happy whilst still on my berth. If you really do need to remove the engine to remove the starter then I would simply get a new starter motor; its just not worth the risk (and cost of engine removal) not to go for a new one.

 

[brianhumber]

Would drain the oils in engine and gearbox. You could then leave to settle in containers and drain off any settled out water, gentle heat will assist this process which is what is done on ships all the time. However with the amounts you are dealing with you might find it easier to simply renew. Use a flushing oil if you are really worried.

Starter motor will not be affected if it was just freshwater again I have steam and water washed dozens of motors large and small. Key to success is drying out, you can use lamps etc. Are you sure no oil scum was on the bilge water surface however, if so this may have a left coating inside the motor which could cause problems and I suspect it is this which has to problems with the other posters motors that have been immersed.
I would take off and clean out again with hot water and detergent, then dry off in oven again standard practice in motor rewind shops for example. Motor IR after a good wash should be well over 1M resistance

Brian

 

[Refueler]

I hope you have better luck than I had ... my 4-99 seized within 2 weeks of similar happening to me. Myself and engineer had checked the engine ... oil everything appeared ok.
She hydo-locked in the cylinder and that was it. Never to turn again. We tried everything ... to the point of bending a large bar trying to turn crankshaft via the nut at front of engine - all we achieved was to tighten the nut 1/4 turn.
When the engine was taken out - it was found to have suffered serious water damage in bores, pistons, liners ... such that it was totally uneconomic to try to repair. The engine was totally seized. Con-rods bent from hydro-lock, bearings shot, a right mess.

For 2 weeks that engine ran as normal (maybe total about 20hrs actual run time) ... then at Folly Inn pontoon when wanting to leave - nothing. Couldn't get it to turn over at all.

So IMHO - there is not short- quick answer to getting an engine going after this. You can spray all the WD40's and gods gift to humanity as you want ... the engine must be seriously checked out properly. What price replacement ? I know to my poor pockets cost ....