Flushing outboard thru

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ontheplane

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Hi there,

Sometimes when I've used the outboard there is no where to flush it thru with fresh water.

Assuming therefore I cannot flush it for a few days, is there some chemical I can add to the tank I run it in when I DO get home that will dissolve any salty residue in the water system??

Thanks
 
It really isn't necessary to flush your outboard through every time you have used it is salt water, once at the end of the season will suffice, then if you flush it through with warm water, any salt crystals that are in there will be easily removed, you could add anti-corrosion anti-freeze to the warm water, buit do make sure the outboard is well drained of water before you store it away.
 
I use a small polythene cold water tank which is permanently in place under my Yammy 2 stand in the garage. Once a week in the season, the Yam is turned around, the leg lowered into the water and run for 5 minutes or so.

I don't think once a season is anything like often enough. I've always serviced my own OB's (2hp - 65hp) and the small ones clog up with a jelly like substance very quickly indeed in my experience.

Frankly, it's simple enough to do with the 2hp types simply by holding the OB steady in an ordinary builders' bucket as long as you don't rev it too much. Takes only a few minutes to set up so seems a sensible thing to do IMHO.
 
I'm with Chrusty on this. The dive boats have outboards that get an occasional (very) flush through) once of them is over 15 years old and is as good as gold. The other is about 10 years old. Typical club kit, gets used and abused but very little tlc.

Flushing is good, if you want to spend the time, but not essential on a very regular basis.
 
Boats with OBs sit on drying moorings, their engines don't get flushed with fresh water.

I guess if you are keeping the engine out of the water for some time, a flush is a good idea if you can do it.

MVP
 
I would say that flushing after every trip for a trailer boat is an excellent practice, perhaps not essential but a very very good idea.

If your outboard has a flushing port then you can use a water carrier to deliver fresh water straight in with no waste.
 
I'm sure the other are right in that its not really essential after each use - however that said on my boat I always FW flush the tender O/B there is a small screw that when removes that accepts a screw in hose pipe attachment so it becomes part of the FW boat wash down before leaving routine.

On my river RIB the larger O/B has a pipe that unscrews and similarly accepts a hose pipe snap on connection - so that gets flushed too whilst i sort out the cover...

Why risk trouble?
 
Flushing with fresh water after use is the policy I have stuck to for the last few decades on every outboard engine from 2hp upwards I have and do own!! No argument otherwise that leaves salt water in an engine I think can really make that much sense.....

and "ontheplane", as for adding anything to the fuel tank that will help..... if you think that the petrol and salt water ever meet in the dark depths of the engine, sorry but no!....your cooling system quite removed from anything to do with your fuel or additives you could use. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
Flushing with fresh water after use is the policy I have stuck to for the last few decades on every outboard engine from 2hp upwards I have and do own!! No argument otherwise that leaves salt water in an engine I think can really make that much sense.....

and "ontheplane", as for adding anything to the fuel tank that will help..... if you think that the petrol and salt water ever meet in the dark depths of the engine, sorry but no!....your cooling system quite removed from anything to do with your fuel or additives you could use. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

He was refering to the tank that he flushes the outboard in when he gets home......
 
[ QUOTE ]

He was referring to the tank that he flushes the outboard in when he gets home......

[/ QUOTE ]

/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

that's what comes to speed reading forums while also try to concentrate in a meeting.... what a fool /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif. Sorry ontheplane! I sincerely apologise.

Now the idea of an additive that you could add to your tank of water.... how about anti-freeze... its what I run through my main engine to winterise it..
 
[ QUOTE ]


Assuming therefore I cannot flush it for a few days, is there some chemical I can add to the tank I run it in when I DO get home that will dissolve any salty residue in the water system??

[/ QUOTE ]

I've tried allsorts with my 2003 Yam, but to no avail. Last month I ran it in warm water with vinegar to see if that would remove salt deposits, but no good. It did leave about a table spoon of sand in the bottom of the tank, which surprised me.

Reluctantly took it into my Yam dealer who stripped it down to properly clean out the waterways.

When I collected it, there was a bag enclosed with the crud he'd removed. It was mainly made up of sand again - probably 3 table spoons of the stuff.

I don't use this motor a lot, but do religiously flush it with fresh water after every use.

I think it's just one of those things - They do cake up with salt / sand etc and every now and then they need to be properly de-crudded. The de-crud plus impellor plus few consumables cost just over £100.
 
OK, trying to redeem myself....

Just spoke to our workshop, and I now have a tin of something in front of me that may be a really good idea... or not /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

Wynn's Professional Formula Cooling System Flush. This is designed for cars, but this is how I could see this working. Flush engine with fresh water in a bucket. Then change refresh water in said bucket and add the can of Cooling system flush. Run engine again for 10 minutes. The important bit would be to have the bucket large enough to catch the all the water & system flush running through the outboard and keep it being re-cycled through the engine. Then re-flush with fresh water.

Practically I can't see it working with large outboards as the size of bucket and amount of water required would just been ridiculous! But for 2 - 10hp might be worth a go....

What are the benefits, well this is what the can states;

Powerful acid free radiator cleaner, dual action. 1. Removes scale, 2. Eliminates Rust, deposits and oily residue. Safe for all metals and hoses and cooling systems. Directions, shake can add to cooling system via expansion tank if part of the circuit or radiator....etc.... warm up engine & run for 10 minutes, stop engine, drain system & while still open flush with water until runs clear, then close & refill with coolant.

Cost of a 325ml tin around £12

How often would I do this,... who knows... ?? I suppose you would do it once and see if anything came out! In fact I will use it on my Suzuki 6hp aux and little Honda 2hp at the end of the season and will report back!!!! /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
Probably the same stuff as your solution with a fancy applicator. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Cheap though, on the face of it.
 
[ QUOTE ]
In fact I will use it on my Suzuki 6hp aux and little Honda 2hp at the end of the season and will report back!!!!


[/ QUOTE ]
Erm, is the Honda not aircooled? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
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