Mercruiser Flame Arrestor

[hallsy2]

Good Day Gentlemen,

What is the best way to clean a flame arrestor? Brake Cleaner and Air? Why no air filter - Fire hazard? I recently had to fabricate a new engine cover, made it out of wood, and realized that I have essentially blocked access for air flow to the flame arrestor. Does the air flow from the side vent of the boat - or should I cut a couple holes in the front for some air flow. Thanks for your help guys - I value your opinions.

Steve

 

[hallsy2]

Re: Mercruiser Flame Arrestor

Well Gents - answered my own question by checking some similar threads. This forum kicks butt.

 

[Jeepster04]

Re: Mercruiser Flame Arrestor

Incase someone else reads this and wonders, what did you find out?

We used Carb cleaner to clean ours since we had that laying around from cleaning the carbs. Worked great!

 

[PitchFork]

Re: Mercruiser Flame Arrestor

No air filter because there isn't much if any dust on the water and air filters like what cars use are paper. One good backfire out of the carb equals fire or worst explosion. I clean mine with carb or brake cleaner let dry and then reinstall. I am not sure about a wood flame arrestor cover I think original plastic one or a metal fab would be better.

 

[hallsy2]

Re: Mercruiser Flame Arrestor

After reading a few threads, several guys discussed adding some after-market K & N hardware, which had a filter of some sort, and that was shot down pretty hard. Although they make some marine products, most included a filter media of some sort, and most of the opinions were that any filter media that can hold fumes, or allow some fuel to soak in, presents a dangerous situation. Best to stick with the OEM flame arrestor. Filters are not necessary because there is little to no debris to be found on a boat - a few carpet hairs here and there. Cleaning - carb cleaner or brake cleaner and blow it out with compressed air. I have brake cleaner on hand at all times - kills bees too. One guy wanted to upgrade his inline 4 mercruiser carb from a 2 barrel to a 4 barrel and pick up 15hp. Bondo thought he'd better just try to keep his marginal engine running at all - rather than hot rodding it - that was pretty humorous.