Water Submerged Engine - HELP!

[blackler]

We had extreme rain here over the last few days and I just found my 4tec speedster quite full of water. The complete engine compartment was full (engine submerged). I guess the bilge pump failed, or maybe the battery died? Not sure.

Anyway, I put the boat on the trailer and completely drained it.

Not sure what to do next and would appreciate some feedback asap. I read in the service manual that if the engine is stopped that the intake valves to the engine are closed thereby preventing water from being ingested into the engine. Since I didn't have the engine going, perhaps this is a good thing.

What should I do? Put in my heated garage and simply let it dry out?

Thanks

 

[Coastiejoe]

Correct about all of the valves being closed. But water will be sitting on top of the head. At the moment you crank it, you will suck it in.

Two options. Pull the valve cover and vacuum or towel the water.

Or, pull the spark plugs and crank the engine in tiny bursts. Once the water is BLOWN out the plug holes, put the spark plugs back in and get it started.

You really need the engine to run 30 mins or so to evaporate all the residual water. So, once it is running at home, turn it off and get it to the ramp.


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[jhjesse]

After you get it running as Coastie prescribed, do yourself a favor by pulling the dipstick and checking the oil making sure it is not milky colored.
If it's not great. If it is then you will have to change the oil several times to get all the water out.

 

[blackler]

Thanks for this insight. So, I put the boat in my heated garage and cranked the heat. I removed the valve cover, however I don't really see any water to vacuum or towel out. Just a few droplets at the edge where the gasket seats from me removing the cover. See attached photo. Am I looking at the right components? Anywhere else I should check for water. What about electrical connectors?

 

[Coastiejoe]

It may not have gotten high enough into the exhaust to get to the top of the head. You might have gotten lucky.

Pull the dipstick, any water in the oil?


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[blackler]

Yes, I may have gotten lucky. Checked the oil and it seems all good. Guess I'll let the electrics dry out for a couple of more days and try to start it

It may not have gotten high enough into the exhaust to get to the top of the head. You might have gotten lucky.

Pull the dipstick, any water in the oil?


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[jhjesse]

JMTC,
I think you need to start the engine if you have not already. I feel that is very important to dry out the cylinders and intake by running it. Also by starting the engine and letting it run for a minute or so then checking the dipstick for milky oil is the only way to make sure there is no water in the crankcase.

I am a newbie to 4 strokes and could very well be incorrect on my assumptions, but I am not new to jet skis.

 

[Coastiejoe]

JMTC,
I think you need to start the engine if you have not already. I feel that is very important to dry out the cylinders and intake by running it. Also by starting the engine and letting it run for a minute or so then checking the dipstick for milky oil is the only way to make sure there is no water in the crankcase.

I am a newbie to 4 strokes and could very well be incorrect on my assumptions, but I am not new to jet skis.

Normally, you'd be correct. But in this case, I don't think any water got to the top of the head.

When the 4-tec engine turns off, it does so with ALL VALVES in the closed position. So, no water should enter if there wasn't any sitting on top of the head..


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[jhjesse]

OK. You know a lot more about 4 strokes than me...I do know that my RXT filled with water and it took 5 oil changes to get the oil to run clean after I got it to run. Interesting that all the valves close. Learn something new everyday.

 

[Coastiejoe]

OK. You know a lot more about 4 strokes than me...I do know that my RXT filled with water and it took 5 oil changes to get the oil to run clean after I got it to run. Interesting that all the valves close. Learn something new everyday.

To be clear, if the water does get into the cylinders, then yes,, MANY oil changes are in your future. The all valves closing thing was new to me as well.

Major advantage with this design as long as the engine isn't cranked once there is water on top of the head.

Most wait to get to the dock and crank it once they get home or on the trailer. The moment they do,,,, water in the cylinders...


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[jammin777]

Normally, you'd be correct. But in this case, I don't think any water got to the top of the head.

When the 4-tec engine turns off, it does so with ALL VALVES in the closed position. So, no water should enter if there wasn't any sitting on top of the head..


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thanks coastie, that is good to know in the event that if it ever happens to me i will know to pull the valve cover first before trying to start.