Following Complete Submersion; Salt Water Submersion; Submerged While Running - Mercury 225 EFI Service Manual

GENERAL INFORMATION

Following Complete Submersion

Salt Water Submersion

Due to the corrosive effect of salt water on internal engine components, complete disas-
sembly is necessary before any attempt is made to start the engine.

Submerged While Running

When an engine is submerged while running, the possibility of internal engine damage
is greatly increased. If, after engine is recovered and with spark plugs removed, engine
fails to turn over freely when turning flywheel, the possibility of internal damage (bent con-
necting rod and/or bent crankshaft) exists. If this is the case, the powerhead must be dis-
assembled.
SUBMERGED ENGINE (FRESH WATER)
IMPORTANT: Engine should be run within 2 hours after recovery, or serious inter-
nal damage may occur. If unable to start engine in this period, disassemble engine
and clean all parts. Apply oil as soon as possible.
NOTE: If sand has entered the air intake on the engine, do not attempt to the start the
engine. Sand will cause internal engine damage. disassembly is required to clean all in-
ternal engine components of sand.
1. Recover engine from water as quickly as possible.
2. Remove cowling.
3. Clean the exterior of the outboard with fresh water.
4. Dry all wiring and electrical components using compressed air.
5. Drain water from fuel system as follows:
a. Disconnect remote fuel hose from engine.
b. EFI Models – Remove drain plug from vapor separator and drain fuel/water. Rein-
c. EFI Models – Remove the water separating fuel filter and empty contents.
6. Remove spark plugs and get as much water as possible out of powerhead. Most water
can be eliminated by placing engine in a horizontal position (with spark plug holes
down) and rotating flywheel.
7. Pour alcohol into intake through air plenum (alcohol will absorbed water). Again rotate
flywheel.
8. Turn engine over (place spark plug openings down) and pour engine oil into throat of
carburetors while rotating flywheel to distribute oil throughout crankcase.
9. Again turn engine over and pour approximately one teaspoon of engine oil into each
spark plug opening. Again rotate flywheel to distribute oil in cylinders.
10. Remove and clean fuel pump assembly.
11. Dry all wiring and electrical components using compressed air.
12. Disassemble the engine starter motor and dry the brush contacts, armature and other
corrodible parts.
13. Reinstall spark plugs and fuel pump.
14. Drain water from the oil injection system as follows:
Page 1C-6
stall plug after draining.
90-884294 OCTOBER 2001