Run/Test Tank

[C17LoadSmasher]

Has anyone ever fabricated a run tank for an outdrive? I had some idea of possibly using one of those large Rubbermaid containers. Lower the lower unit into it until the water covers the water intake and fire it up. I wouldn't be actually putting the motor in gear. I live in an apartment complex that frowns on us using their hoses to flush our engines out, heck, they do not even let us wash our cars here! So this was an idea, plus the motor would be quieter if the exhaust was submerged in the tank as well. Any thoughts?

 

[495v]

Re: Run/Test Tank

C17, I did that exact thing. I have a mercruiser and I used a big rubbermaid container to test run it. As you said, just be sure that your intakes are submerged. I left the running hose in the tank because water was was going over the sides. The only reason I did this was because I needed to start up the boat late at night, and it is quiet when the hub is submerged.

 

[C17LoadSmasher]

Re: Run/Test Tank

What size one did you use? I can't see it needing to be really deep. I saw one of those round containers (wash tub-like) at Lowe's and they looked like they might work.

 

[495v]

Re: Run/Test Tank

It was one of those blue jobbers with the lid. It was approx. 14 inches deep, 24 inches long, and 20 inches wide. It was just enough to lower the drive and end up with the water line just above the intakes. It was a good thing it was the rubber/plastic type because after it was filled and under the drive, I had to bend the tub some to get rid of a little water before I could get it out from under the drive. The round one probably won't work because it has to be long enough to fit the unit inside.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Run/Test Tank

If the exhaust runs thru the prop why not just simply put a muffler on it? You can make one yourself. Just something between the prop and the lower housing. <br /><br />I use the bottom of a plastic 1 gallon jug. Works great. Baker Marine Support sells one thats a bit fancier. <br /><br />Good luck!