motor flush (boat in water) using hand pump?

[davidkockler]

Just bought a 2001 Johnson Oceanrunner with a backflush connection. I plan to keep the boat in water at private pier, but fresh water is not available at the pier. I liked an idea I read here about using a 5 gal bucket (filled with fresh water) and bilge pump to flush, but that of course requires electric hookup and bilge pumps do not develop much pressure (I will admit not a lot of pressure is required, though). I am thinking of using a bucket and hand pump to backflush after every use. The pump is a brass body piston style pump such as a Jabsco pump designed for lube change outs. It is a positive displacement pump, meaning that it will develop plenty of outlet pressure. Fitting the outlet hose with a an adapter to match the quick-connect backflush fitting is very easy.<br /><br />I think flushing with a gallon or two of fresh water after every use should get all the residual salt water out. Any opinions on this method?

 

[v12mac]

Re: motor flush (boat in water) using hand pump?

Do you use a portable live well pump? You could use it to keep bait alive during the day and to flush the motor at night?<br /><br />My ocean 200hp runners seem to need to "fill up" with water while on the flush, I don't know if you will be able to keep ahead of the water draining out the botom of the motor with a hand pump. <br /><br />Mac

 

[davidkockler]

Re: motor flush (boat in water) using hand pump?

I have a built-in live well system that draws suction from seawater below the hull. The pump is mounted under the deck, so it isn't easily accessed.<br /><br />Yes, I agree the hand pump may not keep the powerhead coolant channels completely flooded, but my main objective is to flush the low points that will collect salt water. The low points are where salt (and crud) is liable to build up.

 

[v12mac]

Re: motor flush (boat in water) using hand pump?

Don't laugh too soon hear me out.<br /><br />Did you ever have a beer bong when you were a kid? How about a reserve of water you could attach and raise it up above the motor on a dock or put up on the hard top? This would give you pressure and a good flow without much work. (Easy there physics majors) I meant wasted labor. <br /><br />Just stay way from spring break 2006 with a 5 gallon beer err ah engine flush kit.<br /><br />Mac

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: motor flush (boat in water) using hand pump?

Did you ever have a beer bong when you were a kid?

i still have one