Do Many of You Flush the Lower Cowling?

[SeaKaye12]

Hi,

Every once in a while I use my old Merc 85 in saltwater. Especially when in following seas, water surges against the stern and momentarily splashes the outboard up to and slightly above where the lower cowl meets the wrap. (The electrical harness plug goes underwater....)

When I trailer home; I of course flush the engine with muffs and thoroughly rinse the exterior. I wonder if it would be beneficial at all to remove the wrap and flush the lower cowl as well?

Do many of you do this?

Thanks for reading, Chuck

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Do Many of You Flush the Lower Cowling?

I would for the same reason you wash the rest of it.

Mark

 

[dingbat]

Re: Do Many of You Flush the Lower Cowling?

Are you getting water up inside your cowling when that happens? I get some water lying in the bottom of the pan now and then but never enough that I felt the need to rinse the motor with water.

I wiped mine down with an oily rag now and then but that’s about it.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Do Many of You Flush the Lower Cowling?

Salt water will get in there and corrode any bolt it finds. I would flush with fresh water if the back end gets really wet, then when dry, spray the bejessus out it with some sort of lube/protectant

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Do Many of You Flush the Lower Cowling?

, then when dry, spray the bejessus out it with some sort of lube/protectant

The bejessus spray I use is a silicone lubricant​

 

[gss036]

Re: Do Many of You Flush the Lower Cowling?

I would be taking the electrical plug apart also and inspecting the connections. TRC makes some good sprays, get some and spray the inside good before putting it back together. If you use it is salt water you are going to get some corrision, I don't care how much try to protect it, but you at least slow it down.
I take the top cowling off and spray everything good with WD-40. The lower cowling should have drains holes, check to see if they are plugged, spray air from the outside if possible to clear the holes.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Do Many of You Flush the Lower Cowling?

I buy WD-40 by the gallon and use it in a spray bottle. The cowl comes off every time I use the boat and the engine gets a thorough spray in addition to the fresh water flush. Oh and I run twin 20 year old V4s in salt water.

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Do Many of You Flush the Lower Cowling?

I would be taking the electrical plug apart also and inspecting the connections. TRC makes some good sprays, get some and spray the inside good before putting it back together. If you use it is salt water you are going to get some corrision, I don't care how much try to protect it, but you at least slow it down.
I take the top cowling off and spray everything good with WD-40. The lower cowling should have drains holes, check to see if they are plugged, spray air from the outside if possible to clear the holes.

Think ya mean CRC...good stuff too. WD works fine for me too (yep, by the gallon)