OMG did I just create a bigger problem. **UPDATE AT BOTTOM**

M

macr6

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Bone head mistake of the season so far.

It just thunderstormed here really bad. I had the drain plug in and the bilge just filled up with water right up to the bottom of the engine and just about half of the starter. What kind of damage did I just cause?
 
fishmen111

fishmen111

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Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

I think you will be OK. I have done that before with no after effect. To be on the safe side, check your oil for water after you run it a few minutes or just change it. Take off you starter and blow it out with compressed air and you should be fine.
 
Wotknot

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Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

Been there, done that...... :redface:
 
C

Coors

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Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

Just to the bottom, you are lucky. wd40 actually works for this-hose it down, and keep starting it for 2 hours, on the muffs.

That should get the wd40 into the whole starter,
But then, again, a wet starter will die on you.
 
bigbob_FTW

bigbob_FTW

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Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

this happened to mine, and I didn't check it for some time. took the starter apart and sprayed with WD-40. Was back in business in no time.
 
Don S

Don S

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Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

If murphy (of Murphies Law fame) has anything to say about it, if you do nothing, it will die completely from rust and corrosion on the 4th of July 3 day weekend. Probably the first day, at the ramp.


Take it apart, clean and dry it now, avoid the July 4th rush for parts.
 
Bt Doctur

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Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

On a side note, it sounds like your auto bilge isn`t working properly.
check the float switch and have it wired direct to the battery thru a fuse.
 
M

macr6

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Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

Thanks guys will do. Is there a blow up of the starter on how to take it apart or is it pretty straight forward?

Also water was over the gas tank, there shouldn't be any way that it got in there right? Just paranoid.
 
C

Coors

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Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

The brushes are just tricky, you will figure it out.
 
M

macr6

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Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

Bt Doctur said:
On a side note, it sounds like your auto bilge isn`t working properly.
check the float switch and have it wired direct to the battery thru a fuse.
Click to expand...

That's the problem. My bilge pump is manual :(. Should have gotten an automatic one installed at the shop.

Found the old manual that I downloaded from a link on here. If anyone needs it I'll see if I can put it up somewhere for download. If anyone has a spot to put it let me know.
 
bruceb58

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Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

You have to pull the starter. That is for sure.
 
fishmen111

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Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

macr6 said:
Also water was over the gas tank, there shouldn't be any way that it got in there right? Just paranoid.
Click to expand...

Should also be OK. Gas is thinner than water. If gas was not leaking out before this, water should not have leaked in. I assume you are not running a fuel/water separator. If not...you should be.
 
M

macr6

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Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

fishmen111 said:
Should also be OK. Gas is thinner than water. If gas was not leaking out before this, water should not have leaked in. I assume you are not running a fuel/water separator. If not...you should be.
Click to expand...


No I am and it's brand new but I guess I should replace that too seeing as it was under water. :(

I swear as God is my witness I will never ever do that again. What a time consuming lesson to learn.
 
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rodbolt

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Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

BEFORE attempting to start it, clean the starter. sometimes brush dust and water will fry a commutator when power is applied.
second as long as the carb vent or tank top wasnt submerged I would not worry about fuel contamination.
if your runing an SX, Cobra or mercruiser drive then remove the drive and inspect for water intrusion.
if its swedish volvo do the same but insure you grease the bellhousing gimbal fitting.
not knowing what drive package your running I cant say much more.
if its inboard carefully check the transmission fluid for water intrusion.
 
Wotknot

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Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

macr6 said:
No I am and it's brand new but I guess I should replace that too seeing as it was under water. :(

I swear as God is my witness I will never ever do that again.
Click to expand...
What a time consuming lesson to learn.
Click to expand...

If there was only 1 lesson that I've learned in life, it's NEVER SAY NEVER. :rolleyes:
 
B

bamadave

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Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

That's the problem. My bilge pump is manual . Should have gotten an automatic one installed at the shop.

Shoulda, woulda, coulda.

Get a float switch installed to the bilge pump. It will save you lots of aggravation, promise.
 
M

macr6

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Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

UPDATE***

Took the starter off the motor and took the cap off. The starter is fried. Half of it fell apart in my hands. One of the brush springs looks like it was half melted. It fell out and half of it turned to dust :( Looks like the starter need some attention. Now it's off to find a new one.

Anyone know which of the two starters in the manual I need for that motor? It's a 98 3.0L 4cyl merc. Serial is L059777
 
Don S

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Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

The Merc number for the starter you need is 806965A2
 
M

macr6

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Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

Re: OMG did I just create a bigger problem.

Don S said:
The Merc number for the starter you need is 806965A2
Click to expand...

Don I was looking at a parts list online and they had it as 50-806965A4 for L096999 and below serial numbers. Does this one supersede the one you posted?
 
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