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Author	Topic:   Preferred Flushing Methods for Optimax
Mambo Minnow	posted 08-03-2006 08:07 PM ET (US)      200 HP Optimax...do you prefer to use the fresh water flushing port under the back of the cowl w/o motor running or do use earmuffs on lower unit with running freshwater to remove salt deposits? Manual discusses only the flush port but my mechanic recommended the earmuff method, which I am use to on smaller motors. I guess he sees many new owners try to use the flush port AND run the motor! Stated Preferences welcome!
XStech	posted 08-03-2006 09:33 PM ET (US)             All Optimax motors on test at Merc Panama City salt water testing facility are flushed using the flush port with engine off. There is no reason to run the motor while flushing (using the port) You can however, run the motor using the flush port if you'd like. Hope this helps.
sosmerc	posted 08-03-2006 10:28 PM ET (US)             The only advantage I see to running the engine with muffs, is that, if run long enough, the thermostats will have a chance to open and close and this may help clear any salt buildup or debris. I prefer to flush my Optimax 135 on the muffs for this very reason. The 3.0 litres are a bit more difficult to flush on a hose now that a special Plug must be installed to cover the 4 water intake holes in the front of the gearcase bullet when using a muff on the side intakes. Clearly, the flush port is easier, if not quite as effective.
XStech	posted 08-04-2006 08:07 AM ET (US)             sosmerc Make your life easy, use the flush port and run the engine.
bsmotril	posted 08-04-2006 10:15 AM ET (US)             If you use the flush port, the water pressure is enough to force open the poppit valve and that bypasses the thermostats. Running it and warming the water through the block may help dissolve salt a bit better than cool water. BillS
bsmotril	posted 08-04-2006 10:15 AM ET (US)             If you use the flush port, the water pressure is enough to force open the poppit valve and that bypasses the thermostats. Running it and warming the water through the block may help dissolve salt a bit better than cool water. BillS
XStech	posted 08-04-2006 10:52 AM ET (US)             The poppit valve will not bypass all the water. You will still have plenty of water through the heads and thermostats.
bsmotril	posted 08-04-2006 12:31 PM ET (US)             I did not make myself clear, so let me try again. When you use the flush port, you don't have to run the motor. The water pressure will open the poppit valve and the water will get into the head to flush them even with the motor cool and the thermostats closed. BillS
XStech	posted 08-04-2006 12:43 PM ET (US)             When the poppit is closed, all water goes thru the heads and thermostats. When the poppit is open, some water is dumped before the heads to reduce overall block pressure.
Mambo Minnow	posted 08-04-2006 02:57 PM ET (US)          I thought you could not run the motor when using the flush port or damage would result. How does water get to the lower unit to flush deposits if you are feeding water near the powerhead?
XStech	posted 08-04-2006 03:46 PM ET (US)             Water goes down the water tube to the gearcase. There is also the "wall of water" in the midsection that keeps the water pump covered with water.

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