Possible water in cylinders?

[ejay]

I have a late model A4 in a 78 Cat 30 that recently developed an exhaust leak in the hot pipe section just above the water lift muffler. This caused exhaust and water to leak into the engine compartment and then to the bilge. I am away from my home slip, so to get back I rigged a patch job and made sure to run the blower and bilge pump on my trip back home.

This solution worked fine, but this morning I tried to start the engine and it just turns over and over without catching at all. The engine has always started nicely for me in the past so something is wrong now. I wonder if I managed to get water in the cylinders from the water not draining out of the muffler? How can I check the situation?

[Dave Neptune]

Check the spark plugs for moisture. And check to see if the oil level has risen or is milky.

Also confirm that you still have spark too.

Did you close the water intake? What did you check that could give some more info?

Dave Neptune

[ejay]

I am going to remove and replace spark plugs today. One piece of advice I found online was to put a little Marvel Mystery oil in the cylinder before new plug. Is this a good idea?

[Dave Neptune]

First determine the state of the plugs (wet or dry) before doing anything. If the plugs are dry check spark. If they are wet, take out all of the plugs and be sure the water intake valve is closed! Then crank the engine a few times for 10 seconds or so. This will get the excess water out of the cylinders. If you are going to let it sit add some oil and give a "quick" crank on the starter.

If wet and you do have spark I'd try to start and then shut down after a 15~20 seconds to determine it still runs OK. Remember the intake valve is still CLOSED.

Dry and use the old plugs to try and start. I have had very good luck restarting wet engines by heating the plugs on the stove and installing finger tight using a piece of hose over the ceramic. Then wire up and try a "shor time" starting cycle as the plugs may be wet again. Repeat the above until she starts.

Using or testing is a big help too with "motor crack" IE starting fluid is fine.

The heating of the plugs gives you a few extra rotations of the crank before getting wet again!

Dave Neptune

[ejay]

Awesome! I pulled the old plugs, which were rusted and put new plugs in the it started right up!!

Thank you!!