5.7 GSI VP "fresh water flushing kit" question

[Lupus]

Hi,

I have a VP 5.7 GSi (model WT - '99) with a duoprop driveunit.

The boat sits 6-8 months every year in salt water. I have seen that VP offers a "Fresh water flushing kit" on their newer engines - unfortunately it is not installed on mine. It seems pretty simple - the water inlet hose from the driveunit to the raw water pump has been cut and a 'T' with a hose has been installed. My question is if the engine must be running while performing the flush or not....

I see some issues...

If flushed while running the engine I guess the raw water pump will pick up a mix of salt water from the driveunit and freshwater from the flushing kit - No valve to close the salt water intake hose seems included in the kit ??

If however supposed to be flushed while NOT running the engine - I guess the fresh water hose must perform a very high pressure AND still will it be sufficient to pass impreller and circulation pump ?? and another issue - If the engine is cold the termostat is closed so the fresh water will never enter the block........

Sorry I must be missing something ;-)

Great forum - Your help is appreciated.

 

[mikeneal]

Re: 5.7 GSI VP "fresh water flushing kit" question

I also have a 1999 VP and added the newer flush tee (got from local VP dealership). The "T" goes into the raw water intake hose as you described and the garden hose inlet is at a 45 degree angle. The theory is the water from the garden hose overcomes the suction and you get fresh water thru the engine. The engine must be runiing. I typically only use mine several times a year when I vacation with the boat and store it in the water for several days/a week. Perko makes a flusher that uses a spring loaded ball check valve to perform same "back flush" limiting function.