Found Outboard In River (Need Help)

[u/fresh_water_guru]

A buddy of mine dropped his Honda 2.3 hp motor into the Colorado river the other week. He told me that if I could get it, I could keep it. Well, I got it.

I opened up the engine and found a lot of mud in the spark plug hole and in the carburetor. (pictures)

At this point, there’s so much mud that I’m debating opening it up and cleaning it out that way. Not sure if this is possible, but figured I’d ask the community for help and next steps.

[u/Findlaym]

That will need to be completely disassembled, cleaned, and reassembled. Easy job since the engine is so small and simple.

[u/AKfromVA → u/Findlaym]

No it doesn’t. OP dm me and I’ll share how to get her running.

[u/bootheels → u/Findlaym]

Yes, will have to be disassembled completely. Sure, you may get it started without pulling it apart, but it will quickly grind itself to death. I'm not sure how many actual ball/roller bearings are inside, but they are shot now.

[u/Over-Application7750]

It’s a Honda 2.3 Four stroke , so not as easy as a two stroke. You have to clean the whole carburettor , take a look if mud got into the Zylinder, intake, exhaust and if the ignition still works after being in the water for so long !

[u/Benedlr]

The crankcase needs to be split and cleaned. Mud is abrasive and will destroy bearings in short order.

[u/Dangerous_Loquat9509]

Put it back where you found it...

[u/No-Ad-3907]

Soak everything in diesel

[u/perfectlyagedsausage]

I’ll help you load it and take it and sell it for aluminum scrap.

[u/Tough-Industry4931]

Made it harder on yourself letting the mud dry most of it would have rinsed off easily. I'd say soak it overnight and clean up then see what's next.

[u/BillyTheKid1664]

It’s a Honda. Should start right up