115 Johnson under water

[harve]

Hi, my latest problem is that after the winds and rain of the last hurricane, my boat submerged, will crank but no spark ,would the power pack likely have shorted out. Also when I lifted the motor oil was coming out of the prop area. Any tips on what I should do. Thanks Graham

 

[marinegrh]

Re: 115 Johnson under water

fog the engine imediately, pull the plugs and air box and load it up with fogging oil, this will prevent rust and seizure from possibly happening, frain your carbs, and oil tank if water is present, once you do that then you need a manual , you might want to check the entire ignition system as you have no idea yet which component failed, the manual will start with the key switch elimination test and go on to test the stator,timerbase and power pack and coils, but i would recommend pickling the engine first

 

[harve]

Re: 115 Johnson under water

Hi just wondering if you could explain what pickling the engine is? and what about that oil coming from the prop area? Thanks Harve

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 115 Johnson under water

Hello<br /> what year is this engine> and was it salt water or fresh that it sank in. the oil at the prop area was probably waste oil/fuel from the carbs.sinking should not have affected the lower unit. it usually sits in the water anyway<br />take off the airbox cover and inspect the carbs for sand. if you see any tear the engine down and get it all. if you dont wish to tear it down then try to start it ASAP.<br /> good luck and let us know the year so we will know which ign system you have.

 

[Solittle]

Re: 115 Johnson under water

Your insurance company should total them (boat & motor) out. If you decide not to total them(or don't have insurance) plan on problems even if you manage to get it running. Most manufacturers will advise that a sunk motor must be flushed and gotten running within hours of submersion - if not rust will begin forming on bearings, cyl walls etc. Anything electrical will be subject to premature failure. If it was sunk in salt water that magnifies the problem greatly.

 

[harve]

Re: 115 Johnson under water

The year is 1985 and it was sunk in fresh water. I ran the starter with oil in the cylinders as soon as I had it out of the water. I have bought fogging oil and will do this today. Thanks Graham

 

[dixie420]

Re: 115 Johnson under water

solittle, i think you meant to say most manufacturers reccomend flushing a motor after resurfacing a motor, as it is very hard to start a submerged motor. also something id like to point out, if your motor is submerged, your better off leaving it submerged if you dont have the stuff to fix it right away, example, dont pull the motor out of the water then drive to wally world to buy a gallon of 2 cycle to run through it. go get the oil first, believe it or not the motor is better off on the bottom, as most corrosion and rust will begin AFTER the motor is pulled from the bottom. if this sounds like crap to you then ask an expert, a diver who resurfaces wrecks, motors, and other structure. oh wait here i am HA

 

[harve]

Re: 115 Johnson under water

Hi, fogged the engine and cleaned out carbs. The pistons move without resistance so am hoping no probs there. I have no spark again so seems like the power pack has gone again. What shorts a power pack and is it wise to seal around electronics with an ignition sealer or should it be left alone. New power pack in tomorrow and will let you know if she goes. thanks harve

 

[harve]

Re: 115 Johnson under water

Hello, thanks a lot for all the advice. Replaced the power pack, the old one was full of water under the plate. The rubber gasket does not seem to be able to keep the wiring dry inside. Should I seal this with an ignition spray sealer? Once the power pack was installed the engine chugged getting the oil in the cylinders out and then ran like a charm. Thanks again. Harve