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Question

I have Stern drive inboard/outboard mercruiser v8 that the water plug was left in and the engine compartment filled to 1/2 way up valve covers with water for about 1 or two weeks, will this ruin the engine?

Submitted: 35 days and 19 hours ago.
Category: Boat
Value: $18
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Make (of engine): MERCRUISER V8
Year: 2001
Horsepower: 230 ?

Already Tried:
DRAINED WATER

Posted by Captain Dave 35 days and 19 hours ago.

Info Request

Hello. Was it salt or fresh water? Did the water cover the starter? Alternator?

35 days and 19 hours ago.

Reply

iT WAS RAIN WATER AND i'M SURE COVERED BOTH OF THOSE BECAUSE IT WENT UP TO 1/2 WAY ABOVE VALVE COVERS

 

Accepted Answer

OK, fresh water is much better than salt (and rain water is certainly fresh!). I would change the oil and look carefully for any signs of water in the oil - if the water is milky then that means water, but I doubt water got in unless the water reached the dipstick tube. Once you fill it with fresh oil, check your battery. If that was submerged then chances are it is ruined and will need to be replaced. Once you have a good battery connected, see if the motor will crank. If it cranks then the starter is still OK, and if it starts that is even better. If it does start, let it run and warm up (provide cooling water, of course) and dry out, and then check if the alternator is working. Check the voltage at the battery with the motor stopped, then check it again with the motor running - if it is higher when the motor is running then the alternator is good and you are probably in good shape.

 

If the motor doesn't crank, then you may have a bad starter or solinoid and need to diagnose that. If it cranks and doesn't start, then you need to check for spark on each cylinder as the first step of checking the ignition system.

 

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Expert: Captain Dave
Pos. Feedback: 98.5 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 10/17/2009

Marine Mechanic

USCG Licensed Captain, 20+ Years Boating, Fishing, Maintenance and Repair Experience

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