9. Servicing a Submerged Motor
A submerged motor must be serviced immediately after it is recovered
from the water in order to minimize corrosion.
If there is a Honda outboard motor dealership nearby, take the motor im-
mediately to the dealer. If you are far from a dealership, proceed as
follows:
1. Remove the engine cover, and rinse the motor with fresh water to
remove salt water, sand, mud, etc.
2. Drain the fuel tank into a suitable container.
3. Loosen the carburetor drain screw (page 351, drain the contents of the
carburetor into a suitable container, then retighten the drain screw.
4. Change the engine oil (page 28). If there was water in the engine
crankcase, or the used engine oil showed signs of water contamination,
then a second engine oil change should be performed after running the
engine for l/2 hour.
5. Remove the spark plug. While pressing the engine stop button; pull the
recoil starter several times to completely expel water from the cylinder.
CAUTION:
l
When cranking the engine with an open ignition circuit (spark plug
removed from the ignition circuit), keep the engine stop button depress-
ed to prevent electrical damage to the ignition system.
l
If the motor was running when it submerged, there may be mechanical
damage, such as a bent connecting rod. If the engine binds when crank-
ed, do not attempt to run the motor until it has been repaired.
6. Pour a teaspoon of engine oil into the spark plug hole, then pull the
recoil starter several times to lubricate the inside of the cylinder.
Reinstall the spark plug.
7. Attempt to start the engine. If the engine fails to start, remove the
spark plug, clean and dry the electrode, then reinstall the spark plug and
attempt to start the engine again. If the engine starts, and no
mechanical damage is evident, continue to run the engine for l/2 hour
or longer (be sure the water level is at least 4 inches above the anti-
cavitation plate).
8. As soon as possible, take the motor to a Honda outboard motor dealer
for inspection and service.
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