Running Motor On Muffs

[singerjr]

Seems every place you read about running motor on muffs/hose there's a warning to remove the prop. Is there a reason for this other than safety. I don't want to have to do it every time I flush the motor a low revs if I don't have to. Seemms most times the techs don't at my dealership/shop.<br /><br />Please advise, thanks!

 

[DJ]

Re: Running Motor On Muffs

Capt_U,<br /><br />It is SAFETY related. I cannot think of how leaving it on would effect running.<br /><br />A spinning prop is DANGEROUS!!!!

 

[singerjr]

Re: Running Motor On Muffs

djohns,<br /><br />Are you familiar with the Mercs that have the hose port at the top of the lower and to the rear of the motor, where you can hook the hose up direct to the motor? The manual states you can flush the motor after running in salt water through there. Nowhere in the manual does it ever mention the muffs like other motors/manuals I own. My question is this as good or better then using muffs, it does not say in the manual.<br /><br />If it does replace the whole muff thing it is a great idea, very convenient and too long in coming.<br /><br />Thanks again.

 

[62_Kiwi]

Re: Running Motor On Muffs

Hi Capt<br /><br />I can't speak with certainty for Mercs, but I know that on my Evinrude V4 115 you can plug a hose directly into the pee hole - using a special hose attachment.<br /><br />The difference is that with muffs you run the engine (which is the best way to flush the motor). With the pee hole attachment you can not run the engine, since the water's going the opposite direction - you simply rinse the water through without the engine running.<br /><br />Running the engine with muffs is best. I'm not 100% certain it's the same for Mercs, but suspect it is.<br /><br />With regards to the prop, I don't take mine off either, but make sure nobody goes near the engine when it's running and also make absolutely certain it's not in gear. I think the important thing is the awareness of the danger of a spinning prop, i.e. never leave the boat unattended when it's running.

 

[DJ]

Re: Running Motor On Muffs

Capt_U,<br /><br />The engines with the quick connect for a hose do not need to be run. The qiuck connect allows flushing completely. Basically the Mfg's. made it easy for us-to their benefit too!

 

[62_Kiwi]

Re: Running Motor On Muffs

Hi DJohns<br /><br />I was advised that using the muffs and running the engine was still the best way to rinse it, because it includes rinsing the lower unit - whereas using the quick connect only rinses the power head. Do you agree with that ?<br /><br />Obviously the quick connect method has the advantage of not making so much noise...

 

[singerjr]

Re: Running Motor On Muffs

Hi KIWI,<br /><br />I've removed and not depending on the service I'm performing, I just was wondering what others were doing. I didn't want to take a chance and make a mistake with this newest motor ($$$) so thanks for yours and djohns reply I feel ok leaving it on.<br /><br />Here's something you may find interesting and I'll quote the manual: "Flushing The Cooling System. Flush the internal water passages of the outboard with fresh water after each use in salt, polluted or muddy water. This will help prevent..." In bold print it goes on to say: "IMPORTANT: The engine must be run during flushing in order to open the thermostat and circulate water through the water passages." <br /><br />Just like your motor the hose connects directly over the pee hole but does not require any special fitting just the normal garden hose fitting. It goes on to say run the motor at idle for 5 minutes and the water comes out the lowers. Evidently this is Merc's preferred method of flushing, I'll probably wind up using both at times, I can be a little paranoid about maintenance I tend to go a little further than I have to like shortening my service intervals. Interesting though... makes flushing a lot easier than the old days!<br /><br />KIWI your response prompted me to read the manual a fourth time because I thought I had remembered the motor should be running so when you wrote that it shouldn't I had to check one more time. Now I wonder how Evinrude's flushing procedure is allowing the thermostat to open and allow the water to pass through all of the passages?<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[singerjr]

Re: Running Motor On Muffs

I must not have refreshed my page because when I just posted there were two more posts one from DJ and one from KIWI that weren't there when I started.<br /><br />So I guess it is a personal prefrence but I think from what I read in the manual the mfg's want the new flushing method to be used.

 

[62_Kiwi]

Re: Running Motor On Muffs

Hi Capt<br /><br />Thank you for mentioning the manual. I just checked mine and it's much the same as Mercury. You MUST have the engine running, even if your hose is plugged into the pee hole...<br /><br />Wow - my mechanic told me not to have the motor running and it seemed sensible since the water flow would be in the opposite direction. A good job I've always used muffs and run the motor ! I hope I haven't put anyone wrong here...<br /><br />It does say not to run the motor if you're flushing it in the tilted position ( I guess if you have it moored ).<br /><br />Thanks for putting me right...

 

[62_Kiwi]

Re: Running Motor On Muffs

...after even closer scrutiny of the manual, I should change the words in my previous post "MUST have the engine running" to "CAN have the engine running". My mechanic was not wrong, neither was DJohns, as he said "do not need to be run".<br /><br />Looks like you can do it either way, but because of the thermostat, it's better to have the engine running.<br /><br />Personally, I'll stick to the way I've always done it. Muffs and engine running....

 

[singerjr]

Re: Running Motor On Muffs

KIWI<br /><br />My manual says you can flush it in the vertical or tilted position. If my manual says you can do it I would think if you get yours as vertical as possible you could flush the motor. But thats a BIG GUESS you will have to make that judgement call.<br /><br />you could always back up on car ramps or to the edge of a curb.<br /><br />

 

[singerjr]

Re: Running Motor On Muffs

Well you know these manuals can change from year to year and certainly model to model. It seems you can be right one year and not the next.<br /><br />Good reason to use the manual for each motor's servicing. And not assume next year will be the same.<br /><br />Just think KIWI we are wondering the best way to flush, do you know how many peaple that never flush, I know several.<br /><br />djohns & KIWI, thanks for the help and give and take.