rinsing off motor

[eli_lilly]

Hello,<br /><br />I am new to boating (I just got my first boat a month ago) and have read nearly every message here and everywhere else over the last month and a half. I haven't seen the answer to this yet, probably because it's known to every boater.<br /><br />After salt water boating, I see that the engine should be rinsed down (in addition to the flushing). Does that mean with the cowling off? <br /><br />I am sure I will have many more questions in the months to come, I already feel one coming on concerning 5200 but I need to read more first.<br /><br />Thanks in advance,<br />-E

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: rinsing off motor

It is not necessary nor advisable to remove the cowling to rinse it every time. And if your boat is moored, I really don't see the point in rinsing it at all.<br />But it would be a very good idea to spray a corrosion inhibitor onto the engine. A lot of folks around here use the CRC corrosion inhibitor spray. Whatever you use, make sure it's ok to spray it onto wires & rubber parts before using it. Some oils will cause them to dry out and crack.

 

[Solittle]

Re: rinsing off motor

-E - I run a bit south of you in salt water. While you didn't tell us what type of engine you have I'm assuming it is an outboard.<br /><br />I have always taken the covers off when I return from the marina when I flush the engines (I have twin OMC 1987 V4s). I don't rinse off the engines with fresh water but I do spray it all over with WD40 which I buy by the gallon. I have not had a problem with dried out or cracked wires & been doing it this way for 30 years. I may switch to CRC as Paul suggest when I finish the gallon of WD40 that I have now.

 

[eli_lilly]

Re: rinsing off motor

Thanks for the responses, I will spray the powerhead area (72 Merc 650, boat is trailered) with Corrosion Block, my anti-corrosive spray of choice. We used it on the phone and CATV connections inside the dock boxes at Holiday Isle in the keys and it was incredible at both correcting existing corrosion and preventing future corrosion.

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: rinsing off motor

I only mention CRC because of what people say about it here, and because it's supposed to be good for the purpose. I've personally used "Rust Check" (a Canadian automotive rustproofing agent) for years now with no negative results and also WD40. Sounds like your Corrosion Block will be just fine.

 

[pine island fred]

Re: rinsing off motor

Live in a salt enviroment and am amaised at how many people dont even flush there motors. Real expensive motors and people walk right past the hose once the boat is on the davits/lift. Would say no more than 10% do it ???. That said my 50 merc is flushed like a religion. Neighbors are sometimes displeased but it is a boating community and done in the daylight. <br /> After you flush the motor tilt it up and rinse the areas under the motor. Steering pivot point and trim cly. mount. Then spray one of the products that others have recommended. All the corrosion I see is in this area and it can get nasty. Am sure a fresh water motor is different. regards fred