PERKO Pro Flush & 2000 Alpha 1

[mvenanzi]

We installed a PERKO Pro Flush onto our new Mercruiser 5.7L Alpha 1 engine package this winter (also replaced the engine due to salt water damage). My mechanic says, since the Alpha 1 impeller needs to stay lubricated, that we must only use the fresh water flush system when the boat is both in the water AND with the engine running.

The PERKO Pro Flush valve will block the incoming flow from the impeller, does this harm the Alpha 1 impeller pump?

How long do we run the garden hose to properly flush out the salt water?

Can we flush the engine with the engine off?

 

[njlarry]

Re: PERKO Pro Flush & 2000 Alpha 1

Welcome. The raw water impler will be toast if run dry. If you just run cold water thru the system when shut down, the thermostat will close and limit the flushing action. However I hope someone who has used the Perko unit will clarify it's use on an alpha. I do remember others complaining about the unit's plastice housing cracking so the unit should be firmily mounted without distorting the hoses.

 

[Randy169]

Re: PERKO Pro Flush & 2000 Alpha 1

I use the Perko on my boat.

Q: The PERKO Pro Flush valve will block the incoming flow from the impeller, does this harm the Alpha 1 impeller pump?

A: Yes as this will destroy the impeller. It must have water to lubricate. I don't know how to accomplish this with the Perko. I am thinking I would have went with muffs.

Q: How long do we run the garden hose to properly flush out the salt water?

A: Till you reach operating temp. The thermostat will open allowing the fresh water to works its way through the entire engine. This can be changed depending if you can place the Perko after the thermostat - which I can do but I didn't as I want the entire system to be flushed.

Q:Can we flush the engine with the engine off?

A: You could depending on where you add the Perko. But you wouldn't get the water through the entire engine. Which is what I think you want.

Hope this helps!

A pic of how you have this setup would clear up some questions. As I have been taken to task on this forum for assuming a few things in the past.

 

[mvenanzi]

PERKO Pro Flush & 2000 Alpha 1

Thanks Randy & Larry:

Let me re-clarify and you tell me if I have a problem:

I run the boat around in salt water, come to the dock, tie up, shut down the engine, attach the hose, turn it on, and let the fresh water run 'till the thermostat closes (1 or 2 minutes?) and continue for another minute, then turn off the hose.

Sound right?

 

[tommays]

Re: PERKO Pro Flush & 2000 Alpha 1

The alpha pump has a floppy vane impeller and will not be harmed as the impeller bends to changing conditions as long as it is under water ( it is in the drive so it is always underwater )

They use the same impeller on everything alpha from the 3.0 to 5.7 and some outboards as it is a high flow low pressure pump

 

[marks737]

Re: PERKO Pro Flush & 2000 Alpha 1

Perko told me that the flush kit won't work with the Alpa drives since the impeller is in the drive unit.

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: PERKO Pro Flush & 2000 Alpha 1

The only way I can think of that the Pro Flush would work on your Alpha drive would be to install a 3 way valve between the drive and the Pro Flush. The purpose of the valve would be to redirect the water from the raw water impeller back over board and not through the engine while flushing. With the 3-way valve you really don't need the Pro Flush, only a hose adapter fitting in the same place you would install the Pro Flush.

 

[njlarry]

Re: PERKO Pro Flush & 2000 Alpha 1

What you're doing is much better than nothing but I like Realpoor's design withour the flushpro as you can really flush out while running it at op-temp. I was going to add such a system to my volvo but now run mostly on the fresh water Mullica river. If my engine were new, I'd be thinking of adding a closed cooling sytem.