will not flushing after use hurt engine?

[letsbarbq]

Hello wise boaters, i have just rented a stall for a month for my boat. doing repairs on trailer. salt water down here, i ran it for a few hours -- and parked boat in my stall, then i tilted it out of the water.<br /><br />my question is,,,,, do i have to flush it? will things in the inside begin to rust if i dont flush it now? because i am in the water, it would look weird if i pulled the water hose and then hooked a ear muff to the outboard and run in even though i'm on the water. <br /><br />Can anyone with experience with long term parked boat help? Does it mess up the engine if i dont flush? Or is it safe to let it go for a little while. <br /><br />Worried.!

 

[skier]

Re: will not flushing after use hurt engine?

Lets:<br /><br />This all depends on the model and year of your outboard. Some of the new ones have a thermostat and continue to run the water pump after you shut the motor down.<br /><br />If your motor doesn't do that then flushing now won't do you a bit of good. I was told by a few mechanics that if you take an outboard/sterndrive into saltwater the ONLY way to prevent salt buildup or corossion is to (And this sounds almost impossible) once you start the motor, don't shut it down until it has been flushed with fresh water for at least 20 minutes at an idle. The second that you shut it down when it is at operation temp, the salt bakes into the water passage ways and there is almost nothing that will disolve it. So as I have heard it, you would have to (While the engine is running) slip the flush muff on (With the water running) and tilt the motor out of the water, then after about 20 minutes you can shut it down. If you have a dual instalation you have to do both at the same time or one at a time.<br /><br />Please, if anyone knows different. Please let me know. This is the main reason I have not taken my 16' Glastron into the Puget Sound.<br /><br />Craig

 

[Fouled Plug]

Re: will not flushing after use hurt engine?

Honestly, I think (at least in the Northwest US) the salt-water fear is overrated. I suppose it depends on the climate of your area, and salinity of the water. Up here in Southeast Alaska, a great many boats (mine included) are in the slip from April-October and get used a lot. I have never flushed my kicker or main after use, and have also never had a corrosion problem. In fact, I just had the exhaust plate off of my 1991 Yammy 90 for a look-see, and it was quite clean. The only motors that seem to be salting up badly are the Honda 4-strokes for some reason. Might be temperature-related? But even the old kickers from the 70's I've torn into have no real obstruction or damage from the salt water in the cooling passages. It makes 'em look rough on the outside, but they fail from old age long before rust kills 'em. I agree flushing is a great idea, but hooking up for 20 minutes after each use? Sounds like a lot of hassle. If salt is a problem in your area, try a product called Salt-Away. You can cycle even old outboards in the stuff, and it supposedly dissolves out the crud. And Merc140, get out into the Sound, I hear the coho fishing in Commencement Bay was awesome last year!

 

[alcan]

Re: will not flushing after use hurt engine?

I agree with Fouled Plug. Galvonic corrosion and marine growth can be a problem. If your motor is tilted completly out of the water you shouldn't have trouble. If not just put the right amount of zinks on it. To keep your rig looking good, just hose it off after each use. Wash with soap once a week and keep it coverd. I wouldn't own a boat that couldn't go in salt water. I have torn down hundreds of out boards. I have seen a few corrosion holes but I never saw one so packed with salt as to be a problem. Even the ones that were dredged up from the bottom of puget sound.

 

[G DANE]

Re: will not flushing after use hurt engine?

Hi Bar-b-q<br /><br />Here in DK most boats are parked in small marinas, during the whole season. I never seen anyone flush their motor. I disassempled my old 74 25HP in 1998 due to headgasket leak, and the block was corroded at the gasket - but after 28 yrs with no flushing. I never seen corrosion on larger or newer models - it can be a question of metal alloy. Its funny. Denmark is one of the contries where the outboards are most expensive, and we have a very high tax, but people dont care about their motors. Premix on tank, and off we go !!<br /><br />I talked to an Evenrude dealer yesterday, he told me they started having problems with the 4 strokes, as they require maintenance, as oil change/fill, cambelt aso. The 2 strokes just go and go - without maintenance.<br /><br />But the point - i think the need for flushing isnt as big as we thing - although it is a good thing.

 

[62_Kiwi]

Re: will not flushing after use hurt engine?

Hi Lets, I respect the opinions of the others that have answered this post, but I myself (in New Zealand) take a more cautious approach to salt water.<br /><br />My father's 2 stroke Evinrude 4hp outboard got completely gunked up with solid salt a couple of years back as he didnt think he had to flush it out. It had to be stripped down and cleaned out - the salt had gone solid and totally blocked all the cooling passages.<br /><br />The Johnson/Evinride 115hp V4 operation manual states that you should flush the engine for 5 minutes in fresh water after use in salt or brackish water. I regularly run my engine in salt water and have always done this afterwards (with warm fresh water) and never had any salt problems myself.<br /><br />In terms of mooring, the Johnson/Evinrude manual, after stating the flushing rule says "During long periods of mooring, tilt the gearcase out of the water - except in freezing temperatures. Upon removal from salt water, leave the outboard in a vertical position until it's cooling system has drained".<br /><br />My 2 cents worth is that if it was me, I'd rinse it - but I have a tendancy for caution.<br />Hope this is helpful.

 

[chumbucket]

Re: will not flushing after use hurt engine?

Dane please e-mail me at chumbaitn.j.@aol.com

 

[letsbarbq]

Re: will not flushing after use hurt engine?

merc 140, thanks for that input. but after rading your reply, i was scratching my head. Because I'm in the marina with 100k yacht and other nice twin engine boats. I hadn't noticed anyone flushing. I was thinking to myself... man, it would be very hard to try to put the muff on the outboard cause after its tilted its...out there. i dont think i can reach it.. the only way is to take a dive and swim. which would look very very foolish.<br /><br />so not flushing would be ok then for awhile.?<br /><br />kiwi, your reply scared me. !!!!

 

[62_Kiwi]

Re: will not flushing after use hurt engine?

Lets - I didn't mean to scare you and I'm wondering whether the sea water down here (South Pacific)is different to up there. It seems to me that Fouled Plug, Alcan and G Dane are professionals and they say not to worry about rinsing. It was just that my local boat shop's wrenches tell me I must, my JohnsonRude manual says I must, all my friends with boats in NZ rinse their motors every time after running in the sea - and I saw what happened to my father's engine...<br /><br />Can anyone back up or comment on this theory that the waters are different in the North from the South, in terms of engine cleaning requirements ? What do other boat engine manuals say (we already know what JohnsonRude say) ?

 

[G DANE]

Re: will not flushing after use hurt engine?

chumbucket <br /><br />Your e-mail adress i wrong - it keeps coming back - mail me: salg@romantiskbad.dk<br /><br />sorry for posting privat in this thread

 

[JB]

Re: will not flushing after use hurt engine?

Hi, BBQ. I think using an outboard in salt water and not flushing and rinsing afterward is sort of like smoking a cigarette. You wont notice any immediate ill effects, but do it often enough, long enough, and it will probably kill you.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[letsbarbq]

Re: will not flushing after use hurt engine?

i usually flush like after every use. But now i can't because I'm unable to reach the outboard when my boat is still on the water. <br /><br />Just curious, If i was by chance able to get that muff on the water intake -- would running the outboard engine in the tilted upright position damage it? Is it ok or not recommended?<br /><br />Has it been done? Do any of you know of this occuring?

 

[DJ]

Re: will not flushing after use hurt engine?

BBQ,<br /><br />Don't panic. It'll be alright until next time. It certainly does do them good to flush them. I also agree with Merc that they should be brought up to operating temp. if they are not the type with flushing ports. These bypass the stat(s).<br /><br />My first engine experience in salt water proved that out. I flushed it EVERY time but I did not run it long. Two years later the stat was a solid cake of salt. Started running it longer and never had the problem again.<br /><br />To try an answer the question regarding salinity. The salinity levels in the south seas and northern seas are probably the same. The difference and how it relates to corrosion is-TEMPERATURE. Heat is the almost the universal ingredient needed to speed up many chemical reactions.

 

[petryshyn]

Re: will not flushing after use hurt engine?

HI gents, interesting topic of which I know very little. The only salt water around here is what we use to gargle a sore throat!!<br />Why couldn't a person drill, tap and install 2 nylon water hose fittings (male) one before and one after the thermostats. Simply lift the hood and install garden hose, flushing one at a time for as long as you want. Heck, you could extend with a hose to the engine pan and install an external hose adapter. You could probably get away with just one fitting, as the relief valve would open and flush behind the thermostats.<br /><br /> Djohns19, I think that if you would have reved the engine, the reliefs would have opened and flushed behind the thermostats as well. Instead, you would have to wait until temperature opened the thermostats and did it for you.<br />Whats ya think?<br /><br />just my unsalted opinion.....<br /><br />

 

[Mikael-Block]

Re: will not flushing after use hurt engine?

Hello all<br />I live in Denmark, but have been on holiday in Thailand, and yes there is a very big different to the water. In Thailand your body is covered with salt, after a few minutes in the sun you can see and feel it. That never happens in Denmark.<br />Here in Denmark I never flush the Engine, but if I were living in Thailand, I've do it two time a day..<br />Mikael

 

[62_Kiwi]

Re: will not flushing after use hurt engine?

Mikael - thank you for your comments. I think you are right that the sea water can be saltier in one area than another. It's the only way I can explain how people's engines in the north don't get gunked up when they fail to rinse the salt water out of them. <br /><br />For example, if I wait too long before rinsing my boat down after using it in our local seawater, it becomes very visibly covered in sticky salt. I'd hate to think of that getting left in the engine.<br /><br />I found some other proof of differences in ocean salinity - and snitched the following from this website about Oceans;<br /> http://newmedia.avs.uakron.edu/geology/ge/ch/ocp/sum.htm <br /><br /><br />Salinity varies depending on temperature and the mixing action of ocean currents. Salinity is higher at low latitudes because high temperatures at these locations promote evaporation which removes water but leaves the salt it contains behind. However, the mixing action of ocean currents ensures consistent salinity range of 33-37 parts per thousand for much of the open ocean. <br /><br /><br />Our warmer climate and sheltered boating areas probably means saltier water. Also, as DJohns said, the warmer temperature speeds up chemical reactions.<br /><br />JB made an excellent comparison (as he does) between non-rinsing and smoking. I think with the different water conditions - we in the south would be smoking big fat "Boss Hogg" cigars in comparison to the cigarettes of northerners if we fail to rinse & flush.<br /><br />Conclusion: It appears from what's been said, that you guys in the north might be able to get away with not flushing/rinsing your engines out every time after running in the sea (if your salinity is lower), but I think it's more dangerous for us in areas with higher salinity. Flushing the motor after use in salt water is always good practice.<br /><br />As Schematic says, "take this with a grain of salt" - heck I've never even seen your water - and I take no responsibility for any damage caused to engines by people following the advice in my conclusion...<br />

 

[Rock Man]

Re: will not flushing after use hurt engine?

I for one always rinse mine for about 10 min. after every outing in the bay or ocean here in Delaware... but only for one reason and that is the dealer say to and all my boat'n buds do also, but after reading these reply's I might not do it everytime or be as concern if its dark when I come in and panic to do it. I also tavel my 19.6 so I am not in a slip,(so it's easier for me to do)but this year am planning to get slip.

 

[Mike M2]

Re: will not flushing after use hurt engine?

Yea, my wife wants to slip the boat for a month or so this summer. This is another reason i dont wanna. I flush my stuff everytime. If it's late when i get home, and it usually is, i do it the next day. I think the importance is very big on an i/o especially, having to deal with manifolds. I know doing it makes me feel better! I know they are flushed.

 

[letsbarbq]

Re: will not flushing after use hurt engine?

congratulations,<br /><br />after reading these post my gut feeling has resided alittle. Maybe cause I'm so busy at work. But like Mikail block said salt water is different. I've swam in that freezing water in Chicago and Wisconsin. You can get out of the water on a sunny day and dry nice and feel cool. But if any of you have swam in the Gulf of Mexico, you'll quickly admit that a gulp or even a taste of the water will make you gag. And after getting out of the water, you'll dry to a prune. You'll feel like a stretched siran wrap. And when you smile of flex, you're skin will crack and dry up. And you'll have a mucky film of salt all over your body.<br /><br />Gosh, I hate to think this is starting to develope on my hibernating outboard.<br /><br />I guess I can let it go after awhile. But couldn't I flush it in the upright position or do ---please keep in mind i am in the water now. and only way of access is if the outboard is tilted all the way up. Or no.

 

[DJ]

Re: will not flushing after use hurt engine?

Schematic,<br /><br />You're probably right. I should have goosed it a couple of times. I just didn't know any better at the time.<br /><br />I'm guessing the reason that you didn't include a "schematic" of your idea is because you're a little under the weather. We'll let you go-this time. <br /><br />The temperature makes a HUGE difference as referenced in the additions to the thread. Here, where I am, in the desert. One can get out of a 95 degree swimming pool into 100 degree air and feel instantly cold. That's because the evaporation rate is tremendous as opposed to other more temperate climates. The humidity here can be as low as eight percent.<br /><br />I flush engines here even though they are run in so called fresh water. The water here is VERY mineral rich and dries looking like salt residue. It also dries VERY fast.<br /><br />BBQ, I think you're fine. Just make flushing a part of your maintenance routine in the future. If your engine fails because you did not flush it this one time, you had problems that were going to surface soon anyway.