Back flushing a 2001 merc 5.0 alpha 1

[wakeboardbob]

I disintegrated an impellar, not my fault, was changed less than 6 months ago and had been doing fine on many trips this year. Now I did keep driving and overheated it way bad, yes entirely my fault. Heads are pulled and getting valve job, tune up. My question is what is the best way to back flush the cooling system? Can I just pump water from the thermostat intake back to the bell housing or do I really have to take the coolers off(power steering/other one?) if I get good water flow? I dont see any large pieces of the impellar, kinda guess it completly disintegrated(there were NO blades left on it). Is there a way to back flush the block, with the heads off or on? Thanks in advance

 

[wakeboardbob]

Re: Back flushing a 2001 merc 5.0 alpha 1

Back to the top, also with 1000 hrs should I change the circulation pump for preventative or just pull, inspect, and replace gasket?

Thanks

 

[dingdongs]

Re: Back flushing a 2001 merc 5.0 alpha 1

exhaust flapper will be disintegrated too.if heads are off flush through and remove thermostat housing.pieces normally get to there and block pipes too.flush heads thoroughly.good luck and buy yourself a couple of paddles as there a cheaper alternative than the grief your at now.a handheld vhf will get attention of other boaters.

 

[wakeboardbob]

Re: Back flushing a 2001 merc 5.0 alpha 1

Thanks for the info, the shutters were found, or the metal parts that were left of them, when I pulled the outdrive off. Anyone know If I can just backflush from the t-stat intake to the transom, thru the oil and steering coolers or do they really have to come off to get cleaned?