Saltwater Flush

[Liam]

Thanks to everyone who lends there time to others on this board. I have a question regarding winterizing. How do you flush the salt water out of an engine prior to storing for winter.<br /><br />Thanks<br /><br />Liam

 

[Grant Ingle]

Re: Saltwater Flush

Run the motor with a flushing attachment for fifteen minutes or so and monitor engine temperature to ensure that the thermostat opens and can flush the rest of the cooling system. Depending on motor size and style, (inboard or outboard) it may take a while longer to get up to operating temperature. Do this every time you use the motor in salt water and keep an eye on the anodes in and around the lower unit. These are designed to suffer the effects of galvanic corrosion rather than the other components involved. The anodes should be replaced when they have lost 30% or so of their original mass.

 

[fishthebay]

Re: Saltwater Flush

Actually, they sell a product at West Marine, (I am sure other places too) that is for flushing a motor that has been in salt water.<br /><br />Its a kit that includes a plastic jug and some liquid. You hook it up to your garden hose and after the engine is warm, turn the valve on the plastic jug and is starts to feed the liquid through your motor. It is suppose to eliminate all the salt deposits.<br /><br />You can also use the jub with a marine antifreeze to prevent anything from freezing in your engine. I use it on mine and have have no problems. Live in a saltwater area like you.

 

[Liam]

Re: Saltwater Flush

Thanks Guys - great advice.<br /><br />Liam