Head removal following salt water use?

[theredark]

Hi all,

I was recently at a Nissan/Tohatsu dealer and they recommended that I pull the powerhead apart to clean the passages after moderate usage for the last four years in salt water. I flush the outboard out at the end of the season in fresh water but not during as it's on a mooring. They also said it was tricky and I might want to have them do it. Is this a major time/expense repair?

Thanks again all,

Brad

 

[robert graham]

Re: Head removal following salt water use?

If the motor is running fine and not overheating then just run it and enjoy it and save your money, or you could replace the water pump impeller, thermostat and temperature switch, and while you're in there you can look around to get an idea about any salt/deposits so you'll feel more confident about it. Good Luck!

 

[Mas]

Re: Head removal following salt water use?

If you thoroughly flushed after each usage...seems a bit unnecessary if it is not running hot!?

Mas

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Head removal following salt water use?

If you want peace of mind to have your engine running as out of the box when new, go for the job, just as a general maintenence issue. With 3-4 years use should have inside salt formations along water passages and head gasket deteroration/salt corrosion. Will depend entirely if the engine has had intense or light use and how well was flushed after work. Will need to check/replace thermostat, impeller, change head gasket and torque to specs, take advantage to decarbonize piston heads and cylinder head interior, install new plugs. You'll be surprised how this small internal maintenence does good for your belowed engine.

Although parts costs are relative cheap, probably hand labor at any dealer does not, so, if you are a skilled person perform this service yourself if you know how and save cash. Service periodically my engines each 300 metered worked hours at constant use, runs & cools as when they were brand new from box

Happy Boating

 

[gss036]

Re: Head removal following salt water use?

Maybe invest in 10 gallons of vinegar and a tall bucket the will fit over your engines and run the vinegar through for 30-40 minutes once in a while. Vinegar really has a way of cleaning out the salt. I have seen small outboards with the water passages completely cloged with salt corrosion.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Head removal following salt water use?

Maybe invest in 10 gallons of vinegar and a tall bucket the will fit over your engines and run the vinegar through for 30-40 minutes once in a while. Vinegar really has a way of cleaning out the salt. I have seen small outboards with the water passages completely cloged with salt corrosion.

Personally have not used this method, some outboard techs out there wouldn't dare even think about it, usually soak thermostats in vinegar for some minutes and then brush away with an old toothbrush, removes salt crusts very well. Bigger engines have a internal sacrifice anode inside water passages, a must check item, so after 3-4 years use will have some internal corrosion on head gasket and water passages, it's appropriate time for a general maintenance.

Some pics, it's a Evi 96 engine, is stripped every 3 years constant use, no matter what you do will still have some internal corrosion.

Happy Boating