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Use
compressed or canned air to dry all of the ignition components thoroughly,
and then spray the components with electrical contact cleaner to help
evaporate any remaining moisture. Drain the fuel lines and carburetor(s),
making sure to properly dispose of the excess fuel. If possible, place
the engine in a 55-gallon drum that’s full of water or a test tank,
and start it using fresh fuel. If the engine kicks over, let it run for
at least one hour to eliminate any remaining water inside. If the engine
will not start, the cause is probably electrical.
I
have a stern drive with a power steering unit. How do I bleed air from
the system? A.S., via e-mail
First make sure
the fluid level in the power steering unit is correct; watching for bubbling
or foaming is a key part of the process. The reading on the dipstick attached
to the cap should be at the upper end of the range when the engine is
warm and just below when the engine is cold.
Disconnect
the battery cables, and position the drive unit in the straight-ahead
position. Remove the fill cap, wipe the attached dipstick clean, and reinstall
it into the pump reservoir. Remove the cap, and note the level on the
dipstick. Without starting the engine, rotate the steering wheel to port
and then starboard while observing the level in the reservoir. (If you
can’t see it from the helm, have someone eyeball it for you.) Stop
turning the wheel if the fluid level drops below the tip of the dipstick.
Continue until the wheel reaches a minimum of five turns lock-to-lock
and bubbles stop appearing in the reservoir. Position the steering wheel
in the straight-ahead position, and top off the fluid level as described
above.
Reconnect
the battery cables, and start the engine. Cycle the steering wheel through
several complete turns. If foam appears in the reservoir, stop turning
the wheel and allow the foam to dissipate for a few minutes before repeating
the bleeding process. All air has been bled from the system when neither
bubbles nor foam appears in the reservoir.
Need
help with a maintenance problem? Write to Maintenance Q & A, Power
& Motoryacht, 260 Madison Ave., 8th Fl., New York, NY 10016. Fax:
(917) 256-2282. e-mail: ken_kreisler@primediamags.com.
No phone calls, please.
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