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
immediately 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. Loosen the carburetor drain screw (p. 361, drain the contents of the
carburetor into a suitable container, then retighten the drain screw.
3. Change the engine oil (p. 27) 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.
4. Remove the spark plug. While pressing the engine stop button, pull the
recoil starter several times to completely expel water from the cylinder.
CAUTION:
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When cranking the engine with an open ignition circuit (spark plugs
removed from the ignition circuit), keep the engine stop button
depressed to prevent electrical damage to the ignition system.
i If the motor was running when it submerged, there may be mechanical
damage, such as bent connecting rods. If the engine binds when cranked,
do not attempt to run the motor until it has been repaired.
5. 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.
6. Attempt to start the engine.
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If the engine fails to start, remove the spark plug clean and dry the
electrodes, then reinstall the spark plug and attempt to start the engine
again.
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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 cavitation plate).
7. As soon as possible, take the motor to a Honda outboard motor dealer for
insoection and service.
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