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Author Topic:   Newbie requests flushing info

Don posted 11-01-2002 11:32 AM ET (US)
My first boat is a 2003 Montauk 170 with a Mercury 60 four stroke used in saltwater. Docked, with motor off and raised, I flush via a hose connection (no muffs)on the rear of the motor. But then I must put the motor down and run it 10 yards to where it is picked out and dry stored. I have no trailer.Is this flush wasted? If not, how long to let the hose run? How often should I have the marina flush after haul out? I've been told it takes saltwater over seven days to crystallize and fewer flushes are OK?

Drisney posted 11-01-2002 01:02 PM ET (US)
That ten yards is definitely flushing the engine with saltwater again. Does the yard then flush after they pull it from the water? If so I would definitely watch to make sure it is done as it would be very expensive for you if it is not....Dave
Drisney posted 11-01-2002 01:05 PM ET (US)
Don, I just reread your post. You should have the marina flush after every haul. The few times I have thought I would go out again in two days and not flushed, something always came up and the time to flush was excessive. Now I do it every time....Dave
ratherwhalering posted 11-01-2002 02:17 PM ET (US)
Dave is right. If the marina charges for flushing, try flushing it yourself for a good minute or so, until the engine is warm, then push or paddle over to the haul out area. Flush every time, and you can sleep at night knowing there will be minimal corrosion and salt build up in the engine and cooling system.
keltonkrew posted 11-01-2002 04:04 PM ET (US)
If you cant paddle it over there, get you a throwdown trolling motor. I have one I mount to the transom with clamps in case I need it. If you have it, flush your engine, then let trolling motor take you to pull-out!
JFM posted 11-01-2002 04:25 PM ET (US)
Don,
I would flush it every time. If the lower unit goes back in the salt water it will work it's way back in. However if the lower unit stays out after you flush (at least 5 minutes) you should be OK.
Regards, Jay
whaler131 posted 11-01-2002 07:44 PM ET (US)
I flush everytime the moter hit the water, for 10 min then pulled the gas line and ran it out of gas. I have done this for years and seems to have worked well.
Jay A posted 11-02-2002 01:17 AM ET (US)
I think your going "overboard" with all this flushing! I've only flushed mine at the end of each season with my 1975 Merc ! And it still goes strong! That's 27 years of use!And most everyone I know who tie-up at my dock does the same thing. And yes,I'm in salt water in New England.

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Author	Topic: Newbie requests flushing info
Don	posted 11-01-2002 11:32 AM ET (US) My first boat is a 2003 Montauk 170 with a Mercury 60 four stroke used in saltwater. Docked, with motor off and raised, I flush via a hose connection (no muffs)on the rear of the motor. But then I must put the motor down and run it 10 yards to where it is picked out and dry stored. I have no trailer.Is this flush wasted? If not, how long to let the hose run? How often should I have the marina flush after haul out? I've been told it takes saltwater over seven days to crystallize and fewer flushes are OK?
Drisney	posted 11-01-2002 01:02 PM ET (US) That ten yards is definitely flushing the engine with saltwater again. Does the yard then flush after they pull it from the water? If so I would definitely watch to make sure it is done as it would be very expensive for you if it is not....Dave
Drisney	posted 11-01-2002 01:05 PM ET (US) Don, I just reread your post. You should have the marina flush after every haul. The few times I have thought I would go out again in two days and not flushed, something always came up and the time to flush was excessive. Now I do it every time....Dave
ratherwhalering	posted 11-01-2002 02:17 PM ET (US) Dave is right. If the marina charges for flushing, try flushing it yourself for a good minute or so, until the engine is warm, then push or paddle over to the haul out area. Flush every time, and you can sleep at night knowing there will be minimal corrosion and salt build up in the engine and cooling system.
keltonkrew	posted 11-01-2002 04:04 PM ET (US) If you cant paddle it over there, get you a throwdown trolling motor. I have one I mount to the transom with clamps in case I need it. If you have it, flush your engine, then let trolling motor take you to pull-out!
JFM	posted 11-01-2002 04:25 PM ET (US) Don, I would flush it every time. If the lower unit goes back in the salt water it will work it's way back in. However if the lower unit stays out after you flush (at least 5 minutes) you should be OK. Regards, Jay
whaler131	posted 11-01-2002 07:44 PM ET (US) I flush everytime the moter hit the water, for 10 min then pulled the gas line and ran it out of gas. I have done this for years and seems to have worked well.
Jay A	posted 11-02-2002 01:17 AM ET (US) I think your going "overboard" with all this flushing! I've only flushed mine at the end of each season with my 1975 Merc ! And it still goes strong! That's 27 years of use!And most everyone I know who tie-up at my dock does the same thing. And yes,I'm in salt water in New England.