Water in the engine - what to do?

[SeaHusky]

I watched the video from this years Jester challenge submitted by Pappy Jack:
http://sailfar.net/forum/index.php?topic=1414.120
The boat suffers a 90 degree knockdown for around half a minute and when arriving at the Azores the skipper finds that the engine doesn't work because water has flowed back into it during the knockdown.
I am not very good at engines so the thought arose, what should one do if there is suspicion that water has got into the engine?
Turn it over manually a few revs to force the water out through the valves and then try to start it?
Wait for calm weather and remove the heads and dry it out?

[SailorTom]

Humm, I'd really say Don't turn it over.
First water is basically not compressible. Water is also likely in the oil diluting it. And if it were seawater then after days/weeks there is very likely corrosion on rings, cylinder walls, bearing, etc...

[SeaHusky]

Humm, I'd really say Don't turn it over.
First water is basically not compressible. Water is also likely in the oil diluting it. And if it were seawater then after days/weeks there is very likely corrosion on rings, cylinder walls, bearing, etc...

That is exactly the problem, if you wait and do nothing the engine will be severely damaged so what to do?
Water is not compressible but can it be forced out by manually turning the flywheel a couple of turns?
An oil change as soon as possible of course.

[Frank]

If water gets into the combustion chamber of a diesel...with their much higher compression...you can bend a rod turning it over. This is from experience (I found out tractors don't float....long story...embaressing) I bent 2 of 3 rods drowning my lil Kubota. Anyhoot....water and oil must be drained, flushed and clean oil introduced. Salt water in injectors will ruin them near instantly...as well as the injector pump. This happened me on my Flicka when it took water in rough seas through the fuel vent (aweful high bow location) Anyway ya cut it...not good.

[CharlieJ]

Pull the injectors- they DO unscrew. and THEN empty the cylinders. No plugs, no injectors, no compression, no problems with bending things.  No comments on salt water damage :D