Engine's been underwater...

[john Douglass]

As I continue to delve into my “new” engine it now appears that the engine has been underwater. This boat sat on the hard for 20 years and rain water got inside the boat. There is a waterline on the bulkheads about a foot above the cabin sole. This level would have been above the dip stick hole. When I checked the oil the fluid level was about 4 inches above the high level mark on the stick. The fluid was not frothy but it was definitely not oil either.

In addition, when I look down the oil fill there was rusty oily sediment was about 1/8” thick.

About the only positive thing that can be said is it was fresh water.

The question is: Is the engine hosed?

Recommendations on how to proceed?

Thanks,

(Darn, I was really becomming excited about getting this old engine running.)

[Don Moyer]

John,

The fact that the water was rain water and that the oil was not emulsified are both good things. The fact that it was not emulsified may mean that the engine had not been started since the water flowed into the crankcase. I'd put good oil in the engine and try to run it. You'll probably have to change the oil three times to get all the water removed.

Don