Ted Williams 7.5 HP starting problems

[imokey318]

I have an old Ted Williams 7.5 hp engine. I bought it used last year, and although loud, it has worked flawlessly, until this summer. I had it out overnight in a small rowboat/jonboat. The next morning, it had rained and there was water in the boat. I turned the whole boat upside down (engine still on the boat), and when i turned it back over, i couldn't get it started again. I know the owners manual said not to do it, but obviously I didn't read that until afterwards. Does anyone know what the problem could be? I have tried to get a spark with a new plug, but it might not be that. Please help with any diagnostic you may have.

[freddyray21]

more than likely you got the cooling water from the leg into the motor. Pull the spark plug and crank the motor a few times with the plug out. Then spray some wd-40 in the cylinder. Once you get the water out it should start.

[imokey318]

I tried that, however instead of wd40, i used starter fluid. Would that do the same thing?

[bgbass.1]

no use a oil base the starting fluid dries the cyl. walls and you can have problems

[JBish130]

When the water in the leg runs up into the exhaust port. Remove the spark plug, ground the cable, and keep pulling the cord until you get all the water out. Do not let it sit in this condition, as the inside of the cylinder will begin to rust very quickly. Once it does start, I'd run it for awhile so that it can fully warm up and evaporate any water that might be left anywhere inside.

[stephenc8301]

i have a 68 7.5 ted williams and i dropped the whole thing in water and didnt think it would ever start again but it did. all i did was take the plugs out, spray the holes with wd-40 and let the plugs dry and crank it with out the plugs in about 20-30 times, put the plugs back in and it started and ran like it never touched the water. good luck.