Motor Tilted down in Salt Water

[rhtrades]

my motor was tilted in the down position for about 3 weeks in salt water.  Beside normal salt built up on the outside of the shaft, is this a big problem?  I would think the worst that could happen is salt buildup in the lower part of the cooling passage, which could be flushed with a salt water remover solution? 

Anyone ever done this and have some recommendations as to what should be done?   

[RickK]

Salt Away should work well for you

[rhtrades]

Thank you, kind Sir. 

[msteinkampf]

Leaving the lower unit immersed in salt water can accelerate damage due to electrolysis. After leaving my 1991 Mercury 90 HP lower unit in brackish water for just a couple of days, there was visible corrosion of the aluminum adjacent to the stainless-steel bolts. Sacrificial electrodes are supposed to prevent this, but they are not 100% effective. I recommend that you inspect your engine's sacrificial electrodes and replace any that are more than 50% worn away.

M

[RickK]

It's too bad you can't tilt it out of the water, maybe a jackplate is in your future?

[rhtrades]

Thanks M & Rick....yes i did have to replace the sacrificial anodes as they were about 50% worn.  Hopefully they did their job.  I let it soak for about 2 days in soapy fresh water...i hope that helped clear out the cooling passage of any scum buildup...also bought some Biokleen fiberglass cleaner so will see how that helps removing the left over build up on the exterior