How To Get Water Out Of Engine?

I recently replaced the bad engine on my lawn tractor with another used engine.
The engine swap is complete now. But no test yet. When I drained the oil from the good engine, only about a quart of oil mixed with a good bit of water came out. The previous owner had left the gas tank cap open and rain water had got in through the tank and carb to the crank case.

Fortunately, I am not using the old gas tank and carb. So, no concern there. But before I put new oil in the engine, I would like to get all the water and old oil out of it. That is where I need help from you experienced folks out there. So, please give me some advice to get the engine going.

Thanks, James.

As you may know, I begun this project a month and half ago as a learning experiment. During this period, many of you offered suggestions and helpful hints as all above postings here shows.

When I started, I did not know anything about small engine repair or installation. I did not know what a connecting rod was or what a valve look like. The engine was a dreadful monster that I did not dare going near it !

Well, thanks to you, today not only I know what a valve or cylinder head is, but I have taken the little monster apart and worked on it. I am no longer afraid of it, although I need a lot more to learn.

I am happy to report that the project is successfully completed!!! Today, I finished all the work on the 12HP engine and let it run several times. It starts right away and runs very smoothly.

I want to express my appreciation to all you nice people who provided me with ideas, suggestions, hints, information , and encouragement. Also, my thanks to the folks who provide us this great web site and forum.

- James -

I was very anxious to see what happens. I gave the engine a few short cranks. It turned fine and spewed some liquid (SF+Oil+Gas?) out of the spark plug hole. I got so excited that I decided to put in the spark plug and see what happens. The engine almost started. Even some smoke came out. But I decided not to push my luck and took the spark plug out, and just cranked it a few more times. Plenty of compression.

But, each time I cranked, some mud, yes looked like liquid mud, came out of the exhaust hole (no muffler). So, I am going to let SF sit in the engine overnight and will drain the oil tomorrow and put new oil in, and see what happens.

A few questions here: What is that mud coming out of the exhaust hole? And what does it indicate? Since the engine turns ok and we have good compression, does it mean it is going to be ok?

I look forward to hearing your opinions and suggestions. Thanks, James

Another question I have is this: Can I test fire the engine on the work-bench or the tractor without all the pulleys, belts, blades, etc. attached to it? I mean, would starting the engine without anything attached to the crank shaft cause any damage to it?

I dont know much about these things, but does not look normal. The carburetor definetly needs adjustment or maybe is defective.....hhhmmmm!!!

I put in fresh oil, hoocked back the muffler, charged and connected the battery. Then I took the spark plug out and gave the engine a few quick cranks. A lot of clear fluid came out of the spark plug hole. It maybe just gas or some of that SF I put in couple of days ago.

I clean the spark plug and put it in. I cranked the engine several times again. The engine turned smoothly and a couple of times even the muffler back fired with smoke (good news or bad news?).

The engine never actually started. Just turns ok with a lot of compression. When I take the spark plug out, it is full of fluid and dripping wet. When I crank without the plug, a lot of fluid (gas?) comes out of the hole.

We have spark, we have fuel (maybe too much of it), and the engine turns ok, but not starting. Obviously, the wet spark plug is not helping. But the question is why does it keep being wet? Is it a carburetor problem? From what I have described here, does the engine seems ok? And what to do next?

You folks have been with me all along, and I appreciate it. Now, let's get the engine going.

Thanks, James.

So, now we must find a safe way the get the valve un-stuck and moving freely.

You might be able to remove the crankcase breather to get to the bottom of the valves.

As for the fuel problem (if still pressent?), check the fuel/airmix screw. Wind it all the way in (finger tight only)(count how many turns this takes) then wind it out 1 and a half turns.

It's not much but I hope it helps!

Thanks for your suggestion. Every little hint helps. I have already taken the breather plate off and applied penetrating lubricant there and to the valve shaft. It has been soaking for a couple of days now.

It still was not moving. So, today tapping it with a hammer carefully, though firmly, it has started moving a little, but still very tight. Hopefully, it will start moving in and out easier tomorrow. If not, there is always the hammer!! (Yes, I know. But I am careful).

So, now we must find a safe way the get the valve un-stuck and moving freely.

So, now we must find a safe way the get the valve un-stuck and moving freely.

Today, I worked some more on the engine and after some testing, I found out that the spark is fine and strong after all. But the engine practically has no or little compression. I think that is what is keeping it from starting. Any opinion on the cause, and how to correct it?

As you may know, I begun this project a month and half ago as a learning experiment. During this period, many of you offered suggestions and helpful hints as all above postings here shows.

When I started, I did not know anything about small engine repair or installation. I did not know what a connecting rod was or what a valve look like. The engine was a dreadful monster that I did not dare going near it !

Well, thanks to you, today not only I know what a valve or cylinder head is, but I have taken the little monster apart and worked on it. I am no longer afraid of it, although I need a lot more to learn.

I am happy to report that the project is successfully completed!!! Today, I finished all the work on the 12HP engine and let it run several times. It starts right away and runs very smooth.

I want to express my appreciation to all you nice people who provided me with ideas, suggestions, hints, information , and encouragement. Also, my thanks to the folks who provide us this great web site and forum.

- James -