Help.. my mercruiser sunk on land!!!

[rickpeterson]

I have a 5.7L I/O merc that was submerged in water due to heavy rains. Water got into the engine and pulled out the oil to make for one heck of a mess in the boat. I replaced the oil filter and filled with oil, but I'm wondering what type of damage has been done to the inside of the engine. In addition, I think I'll need to replace the starter, alternator, solenoid and battery. Any tips that anyone can share will be very appreciated!!!

 

[rbezdon]

Re: Help.. my mercruiser sunk on land!!!

I hope you pulled all the plugs and turned over the engine to get the water out of the cylinders if water was high enough to get in the carb/intake. The cylinders rust fast and yes, rebuilding the items above sound like a really god idea .<br /><br />Thinking about it you may need to add the trim pump to the list of rebuilds.

 

[vicsponjr]

Re: Help.. my mercruiser sunk on land!!!

How long was it submerged? After intalling new oil did you try to start it? If not, before you do, make sure there is no water in the cylinders. Hydro lock....can bend a rod, crack a cylinder, etc. Pull the plugs and try to turn it over.

 

[vicsponjr]

Re: Help.. my mercruiser sunk on land!!!

vatt you there?

 

[rickpeterson]

Re: Help.. my mercruiser sunk on land!!!

Thanks for your help! I don't think the water level was that high, but it was close. I'm going out to it now to check the plugs. I can't turn over the engine since the starter/solenoid red wires fried right off.<br /><br />rp

 

[rbezdon]

Re: Help.. my mercruiser sunk on land!!!

suggest you still try to trun it over. Put a ratchet on the harmonic balancer bolt, turn it over clockwise looking at the front of the engine (basically tighten the bolt. With the plugs out you should be able to turn it over slowly. Watch for water out the plug holes. If there is make sure to get plenty of oil into the cylinder (some light weight stuff, maybe even fogging oil will do. Any is better than none.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Help.. my mercruiser sunk on land!!!

also pull the drive. carefully inspect the ujoints. oil the yoke at the seal area and replace the gimbal bearing. when ya pump grease in the ujoints look for anywater coming out. 1 drop will mean its ujoint time as well. if you have not used the trim usually you can just suck it out with a hand pump and flush well with atf.