Full bilge......Any damage

jmarty10 · May 24, 2011

Well...we had a terrible thunderstorm Tuesday night and I forgot to take out my plug. The bow/cockcpit cover leaks pretty good at the windshield. Bilge was full, the water did not get up to the starter motor which is mounted on the lower starboard side of the motor but it may have reached what seems to be the oil pan? But I am not totally sure if it is the the oil pan on my engine (2008 4.3l merc) Anything I should be concerned about or looking for next time I go out? Thanks

emoney · May 24, 2011

Re: Full bilge......Any damage

Nope, just let it dry out good. As long as it wasn't started, water shouldn't have any way of getting inside. Your Trailblazer's engine get's wet every time you drive it in the rain or through a puddle.

IES99 · May 24, 2011

Re: Full bilge......Any damage

I foresee no problem for you. Enjoy.

lcmains1 · May 24, 2011

Re: Full bilge......Any damage

I bet you never forget the plug again!

Split Shot · May 24, 2011

Re: Full bilge......Any damage

jmarty, think about gett'n a auto bilge switch (cheap). Works like a sump pump switch. water rises and it turns on the pump. If you are like me, you will forget the plug again.:facepalm:

jmarty10 · May 24, 2011

Re: Full bilge......Any damage

Split Shot said:
jmarty, think about gett'n a auto bilge switch (cheap). Works like a sump pump switch. water rises and it turns on the pump. If you are like me, you will forget the plug again.:facepalm:

yep.....I've been contemplating this for a while and really want to do it. Problem is the darn pump is buried directly under the motor, in the middle of the bilge. Cant figure out how to even reach the pump and or mount/wire a float switch.

Dshow · May 24, 2011

Re: Full bilge......Any damage

You might want to look at this regarding the float switch installation:
http://caravelleboat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=5194

jmarty10 · May 24, 2011

Re: Full bilge......Any damage

Thanks this is good info. But, I'm still scratching my head trying to figure out just how to get to the pump and wiring. If my arms grew 3 more feet I cold tackle this project easily! At some point I'm going to take pictures and ask for advice on how to get to pumps that are buried under the engine.

cr2k · May 24, 2011

Re: Full bilge......Any damage

Your starter will be needing replacement in the near future. Maybe next time out, maybe next month, maybe not for the the season but it did get wet, it will rust and it will fail. Fact of life.

jmarty10 · May 24, 2011

Re: Full bilge......Any damage

cr2k said:
Your starter will be needing replacement in the near future. Maybe next time out, maybe next month, maybe not for the the season but it did get wet, it will rust and it will fail. Fact of life.

ummmm..the starter did not get wet. Did you miss reading that in my first post?

Pete104 · May 24, 2011

Re: Full bilge......Any damage

Just mount a float switch on rigid piece of aluminum somewhere accessible, screw it down. Who cares if ain't on floor of the bilge. Wire it up, your safe if your battery stays HOT!

Art Bernard · May 24, 2011

Re: Full bilge......Any damage

I'd pull your dipstick and look for water just to be safe.

Art

fastimz · May 25, 2011

Re: Full bilge......Any damage

You will be fine. The oil pan doesn't leak oil out so it won't let water leak in. The starter will also be fine, if you are concerned about it spray it with a little WD40. I also forgot my plug two seasons ago, but mine was way worse. I forgot to put it in before launching the boat. The starter went under before I realized the bilge pump was pumping its butt off. Things happen. I third the motion on the bilge pump switch. I have a similar issue with my Sun Runner. The pump is buried under the 454 and I can't even see it. If you can get to the wires splice in a float switch and wire it directly to the battery. That way if you forget to turn on the switch it will still operate as an automatic pump. Go boating, have fun!

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