Mercruiser 7.4 litre Saltwater Imersion

[ckc1]

I have just bought a Searay 230CC(1990) that am restoring.It has a Mercruiser 7.4l (330)Bravo II sterndrive that was submerged in saltwater for one tide about two months ago.<br />The starter etc was cleaned soon afterwards.<br />I have pumped out the oil and put WD40 into the cylinders and the engine turns over.I have also stripped down the Rochester 4 barrel carb.Is there any items in particular that need to be done before I can test fire the engine. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[CAPTBLACKSMARINE]

Re: Mercruiser 7.4 litre Saltwater Imersion

THIS PROBABLY ISN'T WHAT YOU WANT TO HEAR BUT IF IT WENT DOWN IN SALT WATER AND THE MOTOR WAS COMPLETELY SUBMERGED,I WOULD NOT TRY TO RUN IT WITH OUT TEARING IT DOWN,AND CLEANING THE INTERNAL COMPONENTS SALT WATER IS USUALLY MIXED WITH SAND .IF YOU HAVE THIS GRIT LEFT IN THE MOTOR WHEN YOU START IT YOU WON'T HAVE MUCH LEFT AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF RUNNING.

 

[nthomson]

Re: Mercruiser 7.4 litre Saltwater Imersion

That engine HAS to be removed and completely disassembled due to salt water and sand etc. Re-ring and new bearings are strongly recommended as is a new carb system. Just 1 tide approx: 8 to 10 hours is more than enough to damage many critical parts that will leave you stranded in the future.

 

[DJ]

Re: Mercruiser 7.4 litre Saltwater Imersion

It has to come apart. You can also figure that the alternator and ANY wiring is also scrap.

 

[addecus]

Re: Mercruiser 7.4 litre Saltwater Imersion

I know where you're coming from. Been there, done that. Fire it up somehow and if you get it runnin, then start replacing electrics mentioned and also ignition. Fuel sys overhauls a good idea also. good luck.