BIG Goof... forgot the PLUG!

G. Arruda

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jul 4, 2004
Messages
98
Well I'm way embarrassed!!! I'm a Newbie and I pull a bone head move Forgot the plug! So did I screw anything majorly up? An '88 Four Winns 160 3L(GM) I/O, water got to just about the flr. in the stearn. about 1/3 up the block, before I at least got the pump going, Motored it in though it was lugging pretty good. Dried it all out, charged the batt. started right up running just a little rougher at idle. I need some guidance (other than the obvious!) is the anything I should check out, change oil or the like. Our did I escape with just a bruised ego, and a good lesson!
 

Chris1956

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 25, 2004
Messages
28,420
Re: BIG Goof... forgot the PLUG!

Gary, Likely you are fine. Check the level and color of the oil. If it is normal you'r OK. If the level is overfull or the color is milky, you will need to drain and change the oil and filter. If the water was the salty kind, I recommend you hose the engine down with fresh water. Don't get any water down the carb!
 

G. Arruda

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jul 4, 2004
Messages
98
Re: BIG Goof... forgot the PLUG!

Thanks for the response! I forgot to mention, fresh water.<br />The oil looks OK, but water level my have got above the (what I think) is the oil drain tube ( a 4" tube with a screw cap, at the base of the block near the dip stick )?
 

Solittle

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 28, 2002
Messages
7,518
Re: BIG Goof... forgot the PLUG!

Gary - Bet most of us have done that once and even a few have done it twice - probably one or two that have done it more than that but they don't post here.<br /><br />Check the oil as Chris mentioned. I would give it a good run to make sure that the lube has gotten everywhere.
 

crazy charlie

Vice Admiral
Joined
May 22, 2003
Messages
5,604
Re: BIG Goof... forgot the PLUG!

Lucky for you that you were not boating in salt water or the entire consequences would be different.You should consider a name change----how does "LUCKY" sound???
 

Tufan

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 6, 2003
Messages
202
Re: BIG Goof... forgot the PLUG!

I would also check the starter.
 

G. Arruda

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jul 4, 2004
Messages
98
Re: BIG Goof... forgot the PLUG!

Thanks All! I Do have a ? The 4 or 5" capped tube on the lower part of the block near the dip stick, is that the oil drain tube? I was thinking about sucking a little out to take a look. Again, the motor is a 88 OMC 3L GM.<br />Thanks, Gary
 

Catchem

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 17, 2004
Messages
196
Re: BIG Goof... forgot the PLUG!

Boy,have I been there and done that.Usualy only takes one time for most to remember to check the plug...and yes Gary that is your oil drain tube.Also you might want to spray a little WD40 on your electrical connections to stop any corrosion on your engine.
 

uscboy

Seaman
Joined
Jul 27, 2004
Messages
59
Re: BIG Goof... forgot the PLUG!

Usualy only takes one time for most to remember to check the plug
Definitely the case for me. Forgot once.. but <br />it was mostly still on the trailer when I <br />remembered, within hooking distance still. :) <br /><br />Good luck with your boat, Gary, hope it's all okay.
 

G. Arruda

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jul 4, 2004
Messages
98
Re: BIG Goof... forgot the PLUG!

Well thanks for the encoragement!!!<br />I'm taking her out tonight... with plup in place !!! ;)
 
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