CONTINUOUSWAVE

I recently purchased a new Vantage with Mercury 250-HP VERSDO FOURSTROKE outboards. They have A flushing system that connects to a garden hose to flush the saltwater out of the engine.

After the last flushing, we forgot to cap that flushing port and just pushed it back inside the cowling. I noticed it after a cruise, and I am now concerned that we basically hosed down the VERADO with saltwater.

What should be done at this point?

Has serious damage been done to the engines?

Thank you

Remove the engine cowling and rinse the engine well with fresh water. You may need to remove the chaps but that is unlikely. Give it a good dousing with "Salt Away" following the instructions provided. Do not use a power washer and generally avoid high pressure. If the "overheat" alarm failed to sound I doubt the engine was damaged as it was manufactured for use in salt water and the water pump provides a high flow rate.

I've experienced leaking of the flushing system hose connector when tightly capped and inside the cowling. Although the cap has a hose fitting o-ring gasket it continued to leak when tightened. I discovered that a five cent coin, aka nickel, placed in the cap prevents leaking.

I read about the problem and a long term solution in the Verado Club's library, http://www.veradoclub.com which is provided for those who choose not to subscribe. You can also ask a limited number of questions on the site forum without subscribing. The library is an excellent resource for Verado owners.