Following Complete Submersion; Salt Water Submersion; Submerged While Running - Mercury Optimax 115 Service Manual

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. Remove drain plug from vapor separator and drain fuel/water. Reinstall plug after
c. Remove the fuel hose from bottom of port side fuel rail and drain fuel/water. Rein-
d. Remove the water separating fuel filter and empty contents.
6. Drain water from air compressor system as follows:
a. Dry or replace the air filter for the compressor.
b. Remove air outlet hose for the air compressor and drain water from compressor
c. Remove the air hose from bottom of port side fuel rail and drain water. Reinstall
7. Drain water from engine as follows:
a. Remove air sensor from front of the air plenum. Tilt up the outboard and drain wa-
b. Remove spark plugs from engine.
c. Rotate flywheel manually to blow out any water from the cylinders.
d. Add approximately one ounce (30ml) of engine oil into each spark plug hole. Ro-
90-855347R1 JANUARY 1999
draining.
stall hose.
and hose. Reinstall hose.
hose.
ter out of the air plenum through the air sensor mounting hole. Reinstall Sensor.
tate the flywheel manually several times to distribute the oil in the cylinders. Rein-
stall spark plugs.
GENERAL INFORMATION
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