flushing after saltwater...what chemicals to use?

[willxuout]

What is the best chemical to use when flushing my outboard after using it in saltwater? There are alot of chemicals on the market.<br /><br />I have a new powerhead and I want it to last.<br /><br />Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[sparkroost]

Re: flushing after saltwater...what chemicals to use?

Salk away is good prevenative maint., but is expensive.<br /><br />I think the main thing is to flush period. After salt runs you need to flush and spray down the motor very well. You can also coat the bolt heads(if there not protected with paint etc.) with corrosion-x. I have been using OMC gasket sealant on the bolt heads(peanut butter stuff) and seems to work really well.

 

[Cricket Too]

Re: flushing after saltwater...what chemicals to use?

Saltwater is not the end all of outboards, they are designed to run in it. If you just flush the motor out with fresh water afterwards you won't have any problems. I have been using my engines in the ocean my whole life and have never used anything on them besides fresh water when you get home.

 

[willxuout]

Re: flushing after saltwater...what chemicals to use?

Thanks for the replies.<br /><br />I spray the outside of the engine (under the cowling) with corrosion-x right now. It works well. I was just a little concerned about the inside of the motor. When I took the heads off the old powerhead the water passages were somewhat restricted by corrosion build-up. I have seen some flushing chemicals in the boat stores. You just hook up the bottle inline with the garden hose and it siphons off some of the chemical and runs it through the engine. I guess I'll try that for a the first twenty hours and then check the heads.<br /><br />Thanks again.

 

[BB79RANCH]

Re: flushing after saltwater...what chemicals to use?

I received some good advice from a boat mechanic a few years back and to this day has really worked out good for my outboard. You definitely want to flush engine/lower unit with fresh water on ear muffs ASAP for 15-20 minutes to help dislodge/clear out any salt that you can. Then the mechanic said to shut off engine and the water supply, remove ear muffs from hose, take JOY dish washing liquid and squirt an ounce or two into the hose and reinstall ear muffs to hose then re-install onto lower unit as before. Turn on the water and restart engine and allow the soapy solution to run through the engine until it comes out the "tell-tale" then shut engine/water supply off. What the mechanic explained to me this action does two things, (1) It allows the soap to coat all the metal parts to at least slow down if not stop corrosion and (2) It lubricates the water pumps moving parts so the rubber parts remain supple and not dry out. I hope this helps in any way.<br /><br /> Todd

 

[sparkroost]

Re: flushing after saltwater...what chemicals to use?

Just another note... I don't think there is ANY product that will remove oxidation. That stuff is hard as nails and sometimes take a hammer and chisel to remove. What you are really removing is what USED to be aluminum.....<br /><br />Can you say anode boys and girls. he he