5.7gsi flushing

[creamy]

I'm new to boating and have purchased a 2001 boat with a 5.7gsi and have a question about flushing. I attached muffs, turned on the water and started the motor. I only let it idle but find that most of the water seems to be escaping from the muffs and very little coming out of the outlet. I am wondering if this is normal.

 

[tpenfield]

Re: 5.7gsi flushing

The muffs never make a perfect seal and will always have some water squirting out of them. The big thing to notice is a good difference in how much water is escaping with the engine off versus the engine on. There should be a noticeable difference, and your temp gauge should be on the low end of the normal range.

Otherwise, there would be a problem.

 

[dsiekman]

Re: 5.7gsi flushing

You may want to consider an inline flush kit that installs just before the raw water pump like the late model volvos, especially if you intend to flush frequently.

 

[creamy]

Re: 5.7gsi flushing

You may want to consider an inline flush kit that installs just before the raw water pump like the late model volvos, especially if you intend to flush frequently.

I hope this isn't a stupid question but is a flush kit something that is available from a Volvo Penta dealer or is it a modification you can do yourself?

 

[capeshore]

Re: 5.7gsi flushing

I hope this isn't a stupid question but is a flush kit something that is available from a Volvo Penta dealer or is it a modification you can do yourself?

working on this myself right now. Seems like a 3 way ball valve is the way I will be going and is an easy enough job to just put one in line on your water intake. Doing a search here and on the ole google machine "fresh water boat engine flush" etc. will provide a bunch of ok to great concoctions by people to T off the raw water line.

Do let us know what you go with! Good luck !

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 5.7gsi flushing

I would just stick with the muffs. The drive will only suck up as much water as the raw water pump impeller can pump so water escaping is normal. If you bump up the RPMs you will notice the amount of water escaping out the edge of the muffs will decrease.

 

[creamy]

Re: 5.7gsi flushing

Thanks for all your suggestions and thoughts. It has given me something to think about.
Thanks again.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: 5.7gsi flushing

There is a huge disadvantage to putting an inline flushing point. If you go out on the water and happen to forget that you moved the valve, you will get no water from the drive and overheat your engine and damage your impeller. There are automatic valves available that would solve this but they are plastic and prone to failure. They are usually used by people that want to flush their engines while moored in saltwater.