fresh water flush

[torcano]

I just bought a boat that has been used in salt water but has a fresh water engine flush in the cockpit. Was this an option on the 4.3 L 2002 Mercruisers or an after market installation by a previous owner? The boat is a Searay. How effective is flushing the engines with fresh water in terms of extending the riser and manifold life in salt water.

 

[Fishermark]

Re: fresh water flush

I'm not sure exactly what system you have installed on your boat... but yes, all I have ever done is boat in salt water - and I flush the engine after every use. I use muffs in the yard, but however you do it, it will prolong the life of your components.

 

[MarkSee]

Re: fresh water flush

+1 on both my boats being salt water boats only and if I run short on time and can't wash the exterior after each use, I always flush the engine on the muffs. I've also been told that using the Salt Away product in-line while on the hose can also help; I do that from time to time. Maybe someone with much more technical knowledge on the Salt Away product can respond on what they think of the benefits or not of using it. Diligent maintenance on the boat is what many also indicate helps salt water boats last.
Mark

 

[CaptainKickback]

Re: fresh water flush

I doubt your flushing system was factory installed. I had twin Merc I/Os and kept the boat in the water. After 3 years, my exhaust manifolds were clogged up (rubbber caught fire) and I had replaced water pumps twice on each engine.

I installed a flushing system ($250/engine) and in the next six years I didn't have to replace any more cooling system parts.

I forget the brand, but the kits had a water inlet and hose leading to a brass block that had 4 smaller outputs. Mercs have 4 places to attach water hoses for flushing. So, check where your hoses go and I'll bet they ultimately lead to those 4 spots.

I am a firm believer in flushing after EVERY use.

 

[cr2k]

Re: fresh water flush

Make sure you run the boat until it is well warmed up, 15-20 minutes.

 

[MarkSee]

Re: fresh water flush

I forgot about posting that a service bulletin 99-9 was published that refers to the proper way to flush on a hose.
Mark

 

[torcano]

Re: fresh water flush

Thanks

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: fresh water flush

I installed a superflush SF400 system on my mercruiser. http://www.superflushsales.com/sf-400.html

 

[CaptainKickback]

Re: fresh water flush

Scott's superush looks like the same concept as the ones I installed. If I had a merc i/o boat, I wouldn't be without this type of system.

 

[mjfink]

Re: fresh water flush

Scott's superush looks like the same concept as the ones I installed. If I had a merc i/o boat, I wouldn't be without this type of system.

I have a system on my boat that has a check valve on the water inlet side (between the pickup in the leg and water pump). It was pretty cheap (I think it's a Perko) and it seems to work very well. When I finish running the boat I pull it into my slip and, while it's being lifted out, start the water with the Salt Away going. That closes the check valve to the outside and pushes the Salt Away thought the engine.

Don't "rev it up" while you're doing this, just make sure the engine is warm (so the themostats are open) and then hook it up and pump away. Pretty simple device and seems to do exactly what I need.

This is what mine looks like:

http://www.iboats.com/Flush-Pro-tra...59092493--session_id.395686429--view_id.39356