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Submerged Verado 350

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atlbuilder

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I have an opportunity to purchase a 2020 center console with 3 350 HP Mercury Verado outboards which was submerged. The engines were "pickled" with diesel fuel within a few hours of being raised and the rig has been sitting for several months. My initial thought was that these engines were not worth salvaging, but then I wondered if tearing them down and rebuilding them might be worth considering. I am retired with time and mechanical aptitude, and in a previous life I worked at a marine dealer who sent me to several service schools however, that ultimately wasn't my career. I've rebuilt several outboard motors, but again, it was 30 years ago and mostly 2 strokes. I assume I can take the heads to a machine shop who can clean those up and recondition them but I am most concerned about crankshaft journals, camshaft, and connecting rods. I assume there will be electrical components that will need to be replaced but replacing the three engines will likely cost more than $100,000. I would appreciate any thoughts anyone might have, and also whether there are Mercury special tools which might be required or computer/specialized software a dealer might be required to have.

Thanks in advance.
 
I wouldn't go near that mess. Submerged means that water has wicked up inside every single wire and hose. Especially the ones they buried when they stuck the deck to the hull. That happens as the boat is going down. That means a complete rewiring and new computers and oh gosh, my mind is spinning. You may get the engines back and they might even be OK but...
I'm sure the owner was compensated by insurance, so whoever is trying to pawn off this wreck is simply looking for a fool and a quick buck
 
You will need to have several special tools, software and service manuals. If the engine was "pickled" correctly should only be electrical items replaced. If not done correctly they are parts motors and worth about $2K each. Replacement parts are stupid high and not worth time and effort if major problems Go with your initial thought as not worth it
 
o2batsea said:
I wouldn't go near that mess. Submerged means that water has wicked up inside every single wire and hose. Especially the ones they buried when they stuck the deck to the hull. That happens as the boat is going down. That means a complete rewiring and new computers and oh gosh, my mind is spinning. You may get the engines back and they might even be OK but...
I'm sure the owner was compensated by insurance, so whoever is trying to pawn off this wreck is simply looking for a fool and a quick buck
Click to expand...
Most sensors and connectors are well-sealed against moisture, but the serial number and actual model info would help- in any case, it would be expensive to go through it and make sure you won't have intermittent problems later, which could grenade the engine.
 
In my opinion these are almost a ---" throw it away "---motor.-----Have a look at the parts availability / price for these motors.----These boats are for folks with an unlimited budget.---Able to walk away from a disaster and pick out a new one , bigger and faster.
 
Thank you very much for your input. It seems, as usual, my gut feeling was correct.

o2batsea, I am curious about your wicking comment. Assuming tinned copper wire and connectors with heat shrink ends were used, and I don't know that to be true, is there any way to test the wiring with a meter to see if there is, in fact, damage? I have often wondered about that.
 
Couple of comments: My experience with Mercury engines......30+ years, is that currently they go out of their way to protect electrical connections. What would need attention would the few places where wires are exposed.....like battery to engine connection points, starter and solenoid connections. No biggie, just disassembly, cleaning, applying a little oil for good measure and reassembly. The starter may need to be replaced. Trim relays removed from their sockets, cleaned, inspected, a little oil on the contacts and they should be ready to go.....with the socket crimps on the underside where the wires entering might be a problem area.......but I'd hit them with some "aerosol brake cleaner", blow it out, add some light oil and if one fails, then worry about it.

The fact that the engine was submerged and received attention in short order, speaks volumes to me in terms of the engine recovering from the submerging even though it was salt water. I have recovered items recovered from total submersion, gave them quick attention and still using them after 10 years......from fresh water......only thing needing a little lube some time after the event was the Bendix shaft on the starter wanted a little lube.

I'd be inclined to work with the dealer on convincing me (exposing reasonable viewable parts) that its worth a gamble and at the right price....highly discounted......I might go for it.
 
Chances are these engines after you spend thousands of dollars to repair them, will continue to nickel and dime you to death in addition to be unsellable (in good faith) to the next buyer. Mercury seems to quickly obsolete previous models by making replacement parts unavailable or rediculously expensive. If you really like the boat and intend to keep it, work on restoring everything that was damaged in the hull and repower with newer/used power...A number of people trade at 500 hours and they have plenty of remaining life left in them.
 
Assuming salt water submerged, and while it was pickled and said in a short period of time, the time is the issue

If they are DTS all those solenoids are toast along with sensors
Injectors are probably ok

Depending on the price I might try it
The PCM is sealed unit, the harness not so mush. Salt will get inside the harness and over time will eat into splices and wires.

Find out what a complete wiring harness cost
 
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