Advice Request: Freshwater in Yanmar 30HP Diesel on R21EC?

[TMT]

Looking for advice/feedback re: our Yanmar 30 HP Diesel on our Ranger R21EC. We returned home after a week away to find that our bilge pump had stopped working during the wettest weather in Seattle in over a decade. Unfortunately, as a result, the bilge compartment, the engine pan, the cabin and the front holds all had standing fresh water – possibly for 4 days. We were able to get the bilge pump restarted easily and it drained all the water in 15 minutes. Given that the bottom ¼ of the engine could have been sitting in fresh water for a few days, our primary questions are: 1) how likely is it that water got into the engine where it is not supposed to be? 2) should we try to start the engine or wait until it has had more time to dry out? 3) should we be worried enough about engine damage + seizing upon starting to have the boat towed to a mechanic? Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

 

[TylerFromEverett]

I don’t have advice, but I’m sorry for your flooding troubles. We also have a 21ec (just got it) and we are in Everett. Though we didn’t have boat flooding, our whole basement flooded in the big rain and ruined everything down there! Mother Nature can be a pain in the butt sometimes. Best of luck to you.

 

[bob daily]

TMT. If it was me I would check the oil, if no water in oil you should be fine.
I wash my engine every year with degreaser and water then let dry, with no problem
They are a tuff little engines, and will take a lot of abuse.
TMT-? (That's my tug) ?

 

[Catch22]

If you have never had operational oil leaks from the engine, I would not think there would be any water intrusion into the pan given there was no pressure behind the water......that said, given how critical oil is to the life of a diesel, this might be a good time for an oil change considering how cheap a gallon of oil and a filter is on a 3ym30 Yanmar.....best of luck....

 

[knotflying]

If the water did not go high enough to enter any dip stick connection to the engine I would say you are good to go. As a precaution I would start the engine and let if run for a minute to churn the oil. Let it settle a minute and check the dipstick. Usually when water is in the oil the color will not be what you are accustomed to. It will be a milky gray.

 

[BB marine]

It doesn't sound as if water was high enough to have contaminated engine oil. I'm not familiar with the complete engine install in the R21. If installed as per manufacturer the exhaust should have a loop high enough to prevent water ingestion though exhaust system. This is something I would check. Next is electrical engine components sensors, relays, alternator and starter. Without looking at the water level and install it is hard to say if there is any water damage to any of these components but I would inspect all. After a full inspection and dry out a good coating of CRC Marine 66 may help to displace any moisture and protect the metal and electrical components from corrosion. Check oil as already stated ( before start up) Check oil level. If higher then normal I would suspect water. The oil will appear normal( black) because it hasn't mixed with water yet. ( water would be sitting on the bottom of pan). If water level seems normal, run engine for a few minutes this will mix the oil with any water present. Shut engine down and inspect oil. If oil appears water free start engine again and get it up to temperature to help dry external components.Basically a good inspection will help you determine any damage. Based on your description of water level you should be ok.

 

[TMT]

Thank you all for your feedback and commiserating on our worrying situation! The notes helped us feel more confident in our next steps. I am pleased to update that after allowing the engine to dry out for 48 hours (just in case), we started it up today and it had no troubles. We enjoyed a simple and quiet cruise around Seward Park, Seattle. Gratefully, Melanie

 

[knotflying]

Excellent!