Sunk my viper

[zikko955]

So today i tried to cross a narrow piece of open water on a river and i instantly got water on my belt so the ship went down.

It was only 3ft deep and i got it up after 15-20minutes and towed it back home and now it sits in the garage to dry, so i was wondering what should i do before i try to start it up?

Also i shut it off before it sunk

 

[Mtnviper]

You'll want to change the oil and filter, drain the crankcase right away. Then drain the fuel tank and put fresh fuel in it. From there, pull the spark plugs and crank it over by hand. After you have cranked it over by hand, then go ahead and crank it over with the starter.
Then put the spark plugs back in and start it up. Bring it up to operating temperature to steam any remaining moisture out and change the oil again just to be safe.
Once you have the engine taken care of, go ahead and change the chain case oil.

 

[zikko955]

You'll want to change the oil and filter, drain the crankcase right away. Then drain the fuel tank and put fresh fuel in it. From there, pull the spark plugs and crank it over by hand. After you have cranked it over by hand, then go ahead and crank it over with the starter.
Then put the spark plugs back in and start it up. Bring it up to operating temperature to steam any remaining moisture out and change the oil again just to be safe.
Once you have the engine taken care of, go ahead and change the chain case oil.

Thanks for fast reply, the fuel tank wasn't underwater at all but should i change the fuel anyway? And how do i drain the crankcase?

 

[cannondale27]

You drain crankcase by changing the oil. May as well drain the fuel. I went down in about 2 ft of water and did nothing but it was running the whole time. 3ft is getting real deep. Could get in everything.

 

[yamahaguy]

Get that battery disconnected ASAP.
In addition to all the great ideas above you should also take any electrical connectors or plugs that have been submerged should be taken apart and both ends flushed out with electronic contact cleaner and allowed to dry for 24 hours before you snap them back together. If you don't do this you're going to trap moisture inside the plugs and create electrical problems down the road due to corrosion. Using a Dielectric grease or spray would also be an excellent idea when you put these connectors back together for some added insurance. All of the plugs and electrical connectors underneath the hood of your viper are just like on your car they are water resistant not waterproof. This is a pretty common practice when repairing a flood car.

 

[swampcat]

Dont forget EVERY bearing.

 

[Byam]

 

[blueironranger]

When I've revived Sunken Outboard engines. I like to drain all the oil/water and then fill the case with Diesel fuel and turn the motor over with the starter for a few 10 second cranks (with the plugs removed). Diesel works very well at getting the water out of all the oil passages and provides decent lubrication. Then I move onto the drain and refill with oil stage.

 

[alswagg2]

First thing is contact your insurance company. ASAP

 

[Big_Phil]

As long the the sled wasnt completely under water its no big deal. Youll prob have to change the oil a few times.

Buy some cheap conventional oil, 5w30 whatever and change it a few times. On the last time put in some proper 0w30 and a new filter. Youll be good to go.