How do you clear water lines in outboard to prevent freezing?

[bobjoe1]

I have a 1989 Evinrude E40TLCEC outboard and live in a cold climate. Upon leaving the lake I raise and lower motor 5 or 6 times and water still seems to be draining. I wait until it stops but upon the next trip out it is frozen and takes maybe a minute to unthaw and I am concerned abut it overheating. Help

 

[ONERCBOATER]

Re: How do you clear water lines in outboard to prevent freezing?

just a strange thought... err i dont freeze here in desert... but... could you use compressed air through your flushing muffs? or through the pee hole.

Sean

 

[Jayrock]

Re: How do you clear water lines in outboard to prevent freezing?

I have a 1989 Evinrude E40TLCEC outboard and live in a cold climate. Upon leaving the lake I raise and lower motor 5 or 6 times and water still seems to be draining. I wait until it stops but upon the next trip out it is frozen and takes maybe a minute to unthaw and I am concerned abut it overheating. Help

We had that issue in Alaska often. We did it like this: Put the motor in the water and start it up. Let it run until the heads get nice and warm, then shut it off. let the motor cool down a little then try again. This should thaw any blockage. It may take a few off and on cycles until the tell tale works properly. To help with drainage leave the motor in the maximum down position when on the trailer.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: How do you clear water lines in outboard to prevent freezing?

The engine itself is self draining and is not freezing. What is freezing is the tell-tale. Check it's routing so it always flows downward. If it tilts up anywhere between the exit point of the engine and the exit from the cowl, that area can trap water. That will NOT allow overheating however. It merely blocks the tell tale.

 

[boobie]

Re: How do you clear water lines in outboard to prevent freezing?

The mtr is self draining. Leave in the down position after pulling it out of the water and crank it over to get any water out of the water pump with out starting it. I came from an area 50 miles south of lake Superior.