The vacuum pump sounds like a good idea.  After that, you might try sustained heat with a heat lamp(s) or some safe heaters aimed at the area over a few weeks th drive the moisture out after sucking it out.
		 
		
		
		
		
		
		
			
				__________________ 
				 Scott, Portland, OR '85 V-20 I/O, Merc 170
			  
		
		
		
		
		
	
	 |