88' 268 Flooded Engine Compartment

T

The Magic Bus

New Member
Sep 3, 2014
15
Lake Murray, SC
Boat Info
1988 Sea Ray 268
Engines
7.4L 454 330HP
Hi Gang,
I had some bad luck this weekend and looking for some advise.
The "J" hose on the water pump split (454Motor) and auto bilge pump shorted or never came on.
Water to the valve covers and still running, nursed it to the ramp and trailered it.
Drained well...... now the work begins !!!

I'm pulling the starter and alternator, see if they can be serviced.
Big concern is water in the crankcase, yes pulled the dipstick, and it's ugly.
Normally I use a pump thru the dipstick tube to change oil, is this good enough???
Is there a bottom drain plug??
Also will service Hydraulics for trim tabs and outdrive lift.

I'm sure I will have electrical nightmares for some time.

What items am I missing for service??
Would it be wise to pull spark plugs and check for water??

Looking for your suggestions and tips
Thank you,
Joel Raffensberger
Florence, SC
"The Magic Bus"
 
Yes, there should be a oil drain plug.
Yes, I would pull the spark plugs and crank it over several times and pump any water out.
You will probably have to change the oil at least twice to clean it out. Buy the cheapest oil you can find for the first few changes.
 
I had a similar problem about ten years ago. I ended up replacing both starters, both solenoids, and one alternator. One motor took on water. I changed the oil and filter three times and then changed out the plugs. Like mentioned above make sure to pull plugs and spin the motor over to clean out any more moisture. Once you have good clean oil start it up with water being fed to the lower unit and close the hatch to let it build up some heat and dry things out.
 
Bummer.

Actually, I don't think there is a drain in the oil pan. I'll look on mine again, but I'm pretty sure a drain does not exist. Pump it out and replace the oil a few times and you should be ok. Like said above, pull plugs and get the water out of the cylinders.

Water to the valve covers is a TON of water. Did it leak into the aft cabin?

I'm thinking you may actually be ok electrical wise. The wiring runs through a large plastic conduit tube across the top of the transom. I would open everything up and let her dry out for a few days in the hot sun. Good idea getting the starter and alternator looked at. Did water get up and into the distributor?

Let your batteries dry out good and don't turn your hot water tank on for a couple months. Your fresh water pump is probably ok and you may have a fuse panel on the transom that will need to be opened up and dried out.

Take the trim pump and hydraulic cylinder pump out and clean them up, dry them out and put fresh fluid in them.

You are in Georgetown, so I'm assuming fresh water right?
 
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Fresh water will be a lot better to deal with, if you were in salt, now I would think you have some serious issues. If you are insured, this should total the boat. Sorry to hear about this. Good luck.
 
Water did get to the step down pump, maybe 5 gal.
Pullng the plugs will be done, I'll check distributor cap as well.
Was on Lake Murray, so fresh water.

I would like to say "Thank you" to all that replied, your an awesome bunch !!!

Getaway said:
Bummer.

Actually, I don't think there is a drain in the oil pan. I'll look on mine again, but I'm pretty sure a drain does not exist. Pump it out and replace the oil a few times and you should be ok. Like said above, pull plugs and get the water out of the cylinders.

Water to the valve covers is a TON of water. Did it leak into the aft cabin?

I'm thinking you may actually be ok electrical wise. The wiring runs through a large plastic conduit tube across the top of the transom. I would open everything up and let her dry out for a few days in the hot sun. Good idea getting the starter and alternator looked at. Did water get up and into the distributor?

Let your batteries dry out good and don't turn your hot water tank on for a couple months. Your fresh water pump is probably ok and you may have a fuse panel on the transom that will need to be opened up and dried out.

Take the trim pump and hydraulic cylinder pump out and clean them up, dry them out and put fresh fluid in them.

You are in Georgetown, so I'm assuming fresh water right?
Click to expand...
 
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not to hijack or monday morning QB cause i would have had to change underwear after that but if he had shut the engine off would the water have quit coming in and he could have floated until he got a tow to the ramp? but i guess if you don't realize it is coming in then by the time you do the weight is pulling the rear down low enough for the water to still get in through the engine even if it weren't running? asking cause i pray this never happens to me (or anyone else) but this knowledge may keep my boat from sinking if it should
 
Fresh water will be your savior, I doesn't conduct electricity as much. Get the engine running and you should be alright. The rest should dry out. Again, best of luck, you must be sick to your stomach.
 
Verified the other night that the '88 454 big blocks do not have oil pan drains. :smt009

Why, I'll never know. Should have put one in during my engine rebuild....
 
**** UPDATE *****
After letting the engine compartment dry and a healthy coating of WD-40, I made out pretty well.
Starter and alternator where serviced and ok, batteries ok, I will check the hot water heater this weekend.
Changed Hydraulic fluids in trim and outdrive tilt pumps.
I have changed oil and filters twice, still milky when pumped out, but clean on the dip stick.....interesting??
Any ideas??

My new bilge pump didn't work, the shop that installed it said they tested it for 20 minutes, but not wet with water......hmmmm ??
I'm not sure that 750GPH pump would have made a difference with a split in 2"water pump hose at 3500rpm
but it was better than me bailing.....lol.

Thanks again for every ones help!!!!!
The Magic Bus
 
Glad you made out OK. One of the scariest things I can imagine seeing is an engine compartment full of water.
 
glad all was well
 
Getaway said:
Verified the other night that the '88 454 big blocks do not have oil pan drains. :smt009

Why, I'll never know. Should have put one in during my engine rebuild....
Click to expand...

I'm guessing that would not be true for all of the 88 Mercruiser 454's used in Sea Ray's.
Our 1988 Pachanga had a 454 (330hp) in it with an oil drain plug.
I agree with you though - why would they not have it?
 
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