---

A buddy on Lake George found his boat completely submerged after Irene. The 90 HP Evinrude was completely under water for a few days.

I believe it is a mid 1990s model and was running fine before this happened. Short of the obvious, removing the plugs and carbs, getting the water out and changing all fluids, what other issues does he face with bringing the engine back to life. He does not have the final decision from his insurance company yet but I could end up with this engine if they replace it. I just don't know if it is worth my efforts after being submerged.

---

All that should have been done as soon as the engine was pulled from the water? If it was not done it may be too late although I would try it asap. It's fresh water, so at least you don't have salt to contend with.

---

It'll be fine with what you mentioned above. I'd put a little oil or Marvel mystery oil into the cylinders before cranking it over. Since the motor wasn't running when the boat went under, more than likely no water got into the cylinders.

He should be fine, fresh water isn't nearly as harsh on unprotected surfaces like salt water is.

---

As Kamie said, don't wait any longer. As soon as the motor is brought out from submersion it needs to be pickled. Oxygen takes it's toll quickly. It is a very lengthly process. Here is some information. http://www.ehow.com/how_7471931_pickle-boat-engine.html

---

I am not so sure the engine would be fine. Fresh or salt, rust is your first issue and the engine has been rusting for weeks if it wasn't dried and the water gotten out of it. Salt vs Fresh, the metal is still rusting away, salt only adds to that issue.

---

Freshwater? No problem. The motor should be started as soon as it comes out of the water and the cylinders and carburetor are drained.

I have an old Johnson that went into the saltchuck while running; the worst case scenario. That motor is running fine over a decade later.

But the key is getting ti stated immediately. How long has it been now? Even a few hours of sitting around can cause damage.

---

We salvaged an outboard motor a few weeks ago that was underwater for months, from a freshwater lake. After hosing all the sediment off of it, we oiled the cylinders, put new plugs in, cleaned out the carbs and it fired right up. Freshwater will not kill a motor as long as the motor was not running went it went underwater. If the motor was running, the water will get into the cylinders and hydrolock the motor causing catastrophic damage as the water will not compress in an engine.

Reclaiming a motor from fresh water isn't that big of a deal, it's done all the time.

To this day, there is no visible corrosion on the motor we salvaged and it's running like a top as of last weekend.

---

exactly, it was underwater and stayed there until it was brought to the surface and immediately cleaned, dried and started. Since Irene hit almost a month ago, i am assuming that the engine is not still underwater, if it is no problem, but if it is not and nothing has been done the engine by this point is not in such good shape.

Gam, if the engine is still underwater or was immediately worked on by a mechanic that knew what they were doing, not such a big deal. If neither of those are true, run because rust is already eating that engine up from the inside.

---

Thanks for the great info. I spoke with him today and got some more info and plan to run from this. The boat was at his home on Long Island and not at his summer home in Lake George. It went under in salt water and remained under for 36 hours. He pulled it out at least 2 weeks ago and has done nothing waiting for the insurance company to make decisions. The decision they made is to total the entire boat with engine but he can keep it for $400.

I would have to pay the $400 if I want the engine and I am a bit leery about doing it considering what you all have said. All it really has that I don't already have is power trim and tilt and it is 5 years newer than my own engine. Another project I don't need at this point! If it had been in fresh water I think I might have taken the gamble and cleaned it up.

---

Years ago we had a Mercury dealer near us that was on a pond. Several times when a major ocean storm came through many boats that were on moorings capsized. The dealer was faced with a huge backlog of engines that had been submerged in salt water. What he did was take the engine out on his dock and tie a rope to it and leave it underwater in the pond till he got caught up. I had to laugh seeing as many as 15 or 20 engines hanging under his dock at one time. The key is not to let the engine start rusting by giving it air.

---

Gam....if I were in your shoes, I would not buy that motor. Since it was submersed in salt water and then left untreated and out of the water for two weeks, corrosion has already set in. If it was properly preserved in fresh water after removing from salt water (emergency reclamation) then that would be a different story.

I'd let the insurance company keep the motor as it's basically worthless now.

---

Exactly the decision I came to Cliff, after all the great input here. I am sure there are some great parts that can be saved and reused but it is a shame this motor came out of the water the day after Irene hit and has been left untouched. All I actually want from it is the PT&T and I can find that much cheaper.