18hp motor got wet, it will not start

[gmarshall43]

I have an 18hp Johnson. It was made in the mid fifties. I had it running great this weekend. I was taking it off the boat in shallow water and let it drop into the water. It wasn't sumerged but a few seconds. Before I tried to start it again I took the rotor off and let the points dry off. I also took the carb off, dump the old gas and cleaned it. I also took the plugs out and cleaned them. It will not start. What else should I clean or replace?<br /><br />thanks

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: 18hp motor got wet, it will not start

Hi Radar,<br /> First thing since you've drained the carb and dried the mag is th pull the plugs, ground the plug wires, lay the motor on its back, and pull the motor over while dumping WD-40 into the carb. This will help flush out any residual water. <br /> Next, do you have spark? You may have to check the plugs again as a bead of water in the gap will short them out. Some ether sprayed into the plug if it is wet will help dry it out. DO NOT USE THE ETHER TO START THE MOTOR!!<br /> Repeat as needed until you get the motor to fire... Sooner the better!!<br /><br />- Scott