flame arrester cleaning

[torcano]

I read somewhere that the flame arresters on the Mercruiser 4.3L MPI should be removed once a year and hosed clean. Is this usual maintenance and is hosing them down the proper method of cleaning or is there a filter inside that needs to be removed or replaced.
Thanks

 

[mthieme]

Re: flame arrester cleaning

There is no filter.
Typically, these are aluminum and the fins can gunk up.
I use carb cleaner and just spray it clean.

 

[Zackman]

Re: flame arrester cleaning

Go to the Adult Only Section in this forum and down load your service manual, it should be #32.​

Here is a direct link http://www-alt.mercurymarine.com/mnetdata/SERVICE/CRUISER/Servmanl/32/32cover.pdf​

Look at Section B. page 1B-44 for your question. May want to read the whole maintenance section, if your thinking about doing your own maintenance. ​

 

[JustJason]

Re: flame arrester cleaning

Depending on the gunk it has... I hose them down with Super Clean (the current degreaser of my choice). After i let it sit i hose it out with the garden hose... then I blow it all out with compressed air.

 

[torcano]

Re: flame arrester cleaning

Thanks. Zackman, when I go to that section I get the PDF image of the index but I can't seem to open the actual section text. Anything special I need to do to read the actual text under that section?

 

[torcano]

Re: flame arrester cleaning

Never mind about opening the manual. The manual came with the paperwork on my boat. It states it should be cleaned with water or steam. Is there anything special I should look out for while removing and re-installing the flame arrester? It looks straight forward but this will be my first time doing it.

 

[ziggy]

Re: flame arrester cleaning

i clean my fa like justjason. though my favorite degreaser is brakleen.

glad ya found the info ya wanted in your manual. is it the service manual? or a manual that came with the boat from the oem? the service manual is the book that has the info in it discribeing all mechanical repairs, not boat repairs though...

what to watch out for.
don't drop anything down the throttle body... like a nut or washer that may hold the fa on... or anything else for that matter. soon as the cover is off. i'd cover it up with something.... a nice clean rag comes to my mind...

 

[Fishermark]

Re: flame arrester cleaning

Is there anything special I should look out for while removing and re-installing the flame arrester? It looks straight forward but this will be my first time doing it.

Nothing special - just clean it and put it back on. One of the easier things you will do with boat maintenence.

 

[JustJason]

Re: flame arrester cleaning

nothing to special.... just don't drop the nuts down the throttle body.

 

[300sflyer]

Re: flame arrester cleaning

Another good way to clean it, is to run it through the dishwasher... But don't let your wife find out!

 

[Fishermark]

Re: flame arrester cleaning

Another good way to clean it, is to run it through the dishwasher... But don't let your wife find out!

That's WAY too expensive! At the very least you will be buying a dozen roses and spending money on a nice dinner out by way of apology WHEN she finds out - not "if" )

Reminds me of the time I put a coating on the exhaust manifolds of my 56 Chevy and baked them in the oven...... NOT A GOOD IDEA.