Briggs & Stratton 5hp-Saltwater use

cbinak

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Mar 26, 2004
Messages
3
Does anyone here use a Briggs & Stratton 5hp outboard around saltwater?They say to wash with fresh water,why?Is that because of the frame,it is air cooled,seems like the engine would be okay?Any info on this outboard would be great.Thanks in advance.
 

steelespike

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Apr 26, 2002
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19,069
Re: Briggs & Stratton 5hp-Saltwater use

I don't think use in salt water is reccomended.<br /> The exhaust leg is water cooled so you must flush it well.You should also wipe down the power head.Keep in mind the air cooling will be drawing in salty mist at times with the resulting corrosion.I think you will be dissapointed with prolonged salt water use.
 

Drowned Rat

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Jan 20, 2004
Messages
3,070
Re: Briggs & Stratton 5hp-Saltwater use

The leg is not water cooled. There is no impeller at all on this motor. There is nothing to flush. All of the electronics are exterior and completely exposed, and they are very prone to corrosion. Not sure what you mean by the air cooling drawing in salty mist. No air is pulled into the engine to cool it whatsoever. Only the air going through the carb. Salt water use voids the warantee, but if you're not worried about that, I would probably try it. A good wash after every use is a must and I wouldn't leave it in the salt when not in use.
 

ondarvr

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Apr 6, 2005
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11,527
Re: Briggs & Stratton 5hp-Saltwater use

Do you have one of these, or are you thinking of getting one for use in salt water?
 

Solittle

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Joined
Apr 28, 2002
Messages
7,518
Re: Briggs & Stratton 5hp-Saltwater use

Go to the red search at the top of the page and read what others have said to this question when it has come up before. Enter Briggs or B&S as a search arguement.
 

steelespike

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Joined
Apr 26, 2002
Messages
19,069
Re: Briggs & Stratton 5hp-Saltwater use

Drowned are you saying there is no cooling fan on the flywheel drawing air across the powerhead fins to cool the motor?And if there is a fan then anything in the cooling shroud would be exposed to corrosion.Wheather it be linkages or simply fasteners.Even without a water cooled leg I think a good flush of any exposed lowerunit parts would be in order.<br />I think we all know that just sitting in the salt air can cause problems over time.
 
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