Simple questions about flushing the motor

[mike64]

I have a '72 Evinrude 65HP. I know you're supposed to flush the motor by running it on muffs every time after being on the water, and I've done that almost every time. Time before last though, I had family coming over after being on the lake and I didn't have time to flush the motor. Seemed to be ok next time I took it out. How important is it to flush the motor EVERY SINGLE time afterward?

Also, how long should the motor be run on muffs to properly flush it? I usually only run it on muffs for a couple minutes. Should I run it longer?

 

[iwombat]

Re: Simple questions about flushing the motor

It's really important in salt water, or silty muddy fresh water. If you're running in clear fresh water it's not really necessary at all.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Simple questions about flushing the motor

I have a '72 Evinrude 65HP. I know you're supposed to flush the motor by running it on muffs every time after being on the water, and I've done that almost every time. Time before last though, I had family coming over after being on the lake and I didn't have time to flush the motor. Seemed to be ok next time I took it out. How important is it to flush the motor EVERY SINGLE time afterward?

Also, how long should the motor be run on muffs to properly flush it? I usually only run it on muffs for a couple minutes. Should I run it longer?

Boy, I've never flushed an engine after running in a lake. What's the difference between the tap water you use to flush it and the lake water you've been running in?

I always flush as soon as I can after running in salt water. When I do run in salt water, it's usually for 2-3 days in a row. I can't flush every day, but try to flush either right after I get it out of the water, or as soon as I can back it into a fresh water lake or river, usually on the way home or at the latest, the next day.

 

[Philthyphil]

Re: Simple questions about flushing the motor

My motor spends six months running in our lake and never gets flushed. The water in our lake is probably beter than what comes out of the tap back in town...lol....it's nice soft lake water nothing better.

 

[ezeke]

Re: Simple questions about flushing the motor

When you feel that flushing is needed, it is necessary to run long enough to open the thermostats. Otherwise no water runs through the engine.

 

[mike64]

Re: Simple questions about flushing the motor

Sounds like I've been a little overcautious, which is fine. I'm in 100% fresh water. I do get in shallow areas that are sandy or muddy, but by the time I get back to the dock I've probably had the engine thoroughly flushed with clear lakewater, it sounds like.

Guess I won't worry about it unless I feel like I've gotten my motor in some pretty bad muck.

Thanks!

 

[mike64]

Re: Simple questions about flushing the motor

When you feel that flushing is needed, it is necessary to run long enough to open the thermostats. Otherwise no water runs through the engine.

How long is that, typically?

 

[ezeke]

Re: Simple questions about flushing the motor

Likely a few minutes at idle with no load as on muffs. If you put your fingers on the thermostat housing you can feel the change when the thermostat opens and closes.