Engine running out of water

[maxtorque]

More advice needed, please:
Coming to the end of a massive boat overhaul. I need to run the engine out of water so that I can check for leaks, bleed the diesel system, cabin heater blah blah...
Bought some 'ear muffs' if thats what they are called! They 'sort of fit' over the seawater intake on the sterndrive with bits of inlet slot showing.

Is it safe to start the engine in this manner with a hose supplying water to the muffs and into the inlet guides? As i said the seal isn't 100% but quite good.

Constructive comments would be appreciated too!!!!!!


WT

 

[DavidJ]

Ear muffs ok for outboards but I've never been happy to use them as you intend.
I have always disconnected the pipe from the pump, attached a long plastic pipe (about 1.5 to 2 inch dia) to it and dangled it in a bucket of water on the floor while topping up the bucket continuously with a hose. This also tests the pump. when you've done suck up 50:50 antifreeze til it starts to come out then you're done for the winter.
You may need to prime the pump with water first to get it sucking properly.
You will get masses of water everywhere so careful of the location.
David

 

[BarryH]

I have used them on my boat, but as you say not a brilliant fit. As you say pipe from the pump to a bucket is a better idea. If i'm doing any work on the engine I put an old water storage tank under the outdrive and put the hose in there. Its a bit hard on the ears having the exhaust tottally open and unsilenced.

When you've finished what your doing let the water settle in the tank and have a look at all the sediment in the bottom. Its amazing what a good flush through in fresh water will get out of your cooling system.

 

[ArthurWood]

Should be OK if you run at idle, keep an eye on temp gauge and shut down if it goes too high.

 

[Dave_Snelson]

I ran out of water once. It was then I discovered beer - never looked back

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