Is it possible for water hose pressure using ear muffs to be too high?

[Just foolin]

Someone told me once not to turn my water hose valve wide open when using ear muffs and running motor in driveway. Reason he said is that the water pressure could blow past internal seals in the lower unit. I have an '86 Force 50hp.

Is that really possible? I'm more concerned about making sure engine is getting enough cooling during that time.

Curious of this Board's thoughts.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Is it possible for water hose pressure using ear muffs to be too high?

No, it is not possible. Let me amend that: Anything is possible, but it is not probable! In fact, with too little pressure, the water pump will not prime. Too much pressure on the hose and the muffs will simply spray it out around the leg.

There are two seals in the lower unit: One on top of the water pump that seals the pump, and one below the pump sealing the lower unit itself. In fact, the impeller itself seals the water pump from the lower unit.

Understand though that a blown lower seal CAN let water into the gearcase while running. In extreme circumstances this can be enough to blow out the oil and ruin the gears.

 

[gm280]

Re: Is it possible for water hose pressure using ear muffs to be too high?

No, it is not possible. Let me amend that: Anything is possible, but it is not probable! In fact, with too little pressure, the water pump will not prime. Too much pressure on the hose and the muffs will simply spray it out around the leg.

There are two seals in the lower unit: One on top of the water pump that seals the pump, and one below the pump sealing the lower unit itself. In fact, the impeller itself seals the water pump from the lower unit.

Understand though that a blown lower seal CAN let water into the gearcase while running. In extreme circumstances this can be enough to blow out the oil and ruin the gears.

?Frank A? basically said it all. While anything is possible, probability is more realistic. If you think about how much water pressure is coming in the engine when planed out going top speed, it is a lot of water pressure. So if a water hose attached to muffs would blow a seal in the foot, it would have blown the first time you run it on the water anyway then as well...

 

[tater76]

Re: Is it possible for water hose pressure using ear muffs to be too high?

This fear stems from inboard owners, as too much pressure on the muffs will push water into the case. Ask me how I know Like Frank said, outboard Force engines are just fine.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Is it possible for water hose pressure using ear muffs to be too high?


With your 50 Force you need to worry about the right muffs.
Your motor can overheat with standard muffs.
You need the ones in the pics.

 

[Just foolin]

Re: Is it possible for water hose pressure using ear muffs to be too high?

Thanks all for the replies. Appreciate the picks of the muffs... mine are a little flatter than that. I'll check into finding some.

 

[tazrig]

Re: Is it possible for water hose pressure using ear muffs to be too high?

This fear stems from inboard owners, as too much pressure on the muffs will push water into the case. Ask me how I know Like Frank said, outboard Force engines are just fine.

OK tater, I'm asking... Only because I've never heard of that happening. Was it because the gaskets on the bottom of the water pump were bad? I could see if you ran a fire hose through your muffs but how did it happen with just house pressure? I'm asking because I just re-powered with twin 300hp power packages and would like to avoid such an experience.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Is it possible for water hose pressure using ear muffs to be too high?

You new motors should have flush ports or hose connections.Taz what packages???Outboards or I/O
There's usually not enough pressure to do any damage from any house system.
Most people don't hook the muffs up right. I use duct tape,if the drive is dry it will stick and hold the muffs in place.

 

[tazrig]

Re: Is it possible for water hose pressure using ear muffs to be too high?

You new motors should have flush ports or hose connections.Taz what packages???Outboards or I/O
There's usually not enough pressure to do any damage from any house system.
Most people don't hook the muffs up right. I use duct tape,if the drive is dry it will stick and hold the muffs in place.

They're 300mpi, alpha 1 gen 2 with new transom assemblies. I've been using muffs for 25 years and have never heard of water getting into the drive from using them so i was just curious about tater76's experience.

 

[tater76]

Re: Is it possible for water hose pressure using ear muffs to be too high?

My very first boat was a Bayliner with an Alpha outdrive. I knew little more than needing to hook water to the boat before you run it. At that time, I had a home with pressurized irrigation. It was twice the pressure of the household tap. I hooked it to the muffs, cranked it wide open, and somehow it pushed its way past the seals. I took it to the marina for a quote, and he explained where I went wrong. So yes it can happen if your a young and dumb 18 year old.

 

[tazrig]

Re: Is it possible for water hose pressure using ear muffs to be too high?

I'd gladly trade a set of seals or even a set of outdrives to be a young and dumb 18 year old again!...:laugh:

 

[tater76]

Re: Is it possible for water hose pressure using ear muffs to be too high?

You and me both taz LOL!