Boat filled up with rain water-drain plug left in

[RyanInFlorida]

I have a boat that filled up with rain water and the drain plug was left in (not by me previous owner). I finally have the motor running and I pulled the lower unit to replace the water pump. Do I need to pull the upper unit now since water may have entered from the engine compartment? Or is that usually sealed from the engine compartment? I don't hear any squeals from bearings. Am I missing anything else that I should look over? Thanks ahead of time.

Ryan

 

[Bifflefan]

Re: Boat filled up with rain water-drain plug left in

what is the boat?
how long was it wet?

 

[Don S]

Re: Boat filled up with rain water-drain plug left in

Yes pull it. The bellows is probably full of water. May even have a rusy gimbal bearing and ujoints.

 

[gshldon]

Re: Boat filled up with rain water-drain plug left in

If you have not already done so, i would remove the drive and check all bellows and look at the gimbal bearing and make sure everything is in working order.

Better to be safe then sorry..

Good Luck and happy boating

 

[cr2k]

Re: Boat filled up with rain water-drain plug left in

Yes you should pull the upper, there will be water in the bellows that will rust the u-joints and gimbal bearing. Grease both and check the gimbal brg. for smoothness. This is also a good time to check the alignment. Don't forget spline grease when you put the drive back on. You should also start planning to replace the starter. It WILL fail at some point after being submerged. Also your tilt/trim reservoir will probably have water in it as may power steering (if you have it).

If the boat has not had the impeller changed in 2 years or more, good idea to slap one in.

Also pull some fuel out of the tank and see if you have any water in there. You should be OK if all the lines are tight. But it would ruin a day on the water if there is some in there.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Boat filled up with rain water-drain plug left in

Damn you guys are quick...There were no replies when I started and now there are 2 above me.

http://forums.iboats.com/images/smilies/biggrin.gif

 

[RyanInFlorida]

Re: Boat filled up with rain water-drain plug left in

Wow! Thanks for all the quick replies. I will plan on pulling the upper unit this weekend. I have also replaced the starter, impellar, points,condesor, plugs,alternator, drive fluid, engine oil, fuel filters and carb (rebuilt last weekend). I did have a problem with the gas tank (plastic) being varnished so I spent some time cleaning that out.