Flushing cooling system with Salt Away

Dec 21, 2017
6
Beneteau 31 Vancouver
Does anyone know if I flush the engine cooling system using diluted Salt Away with seacock closed via sea water strainer is advisable? Also, would it cause damage if I left the diluted mixture for an extended period?
 
Nov 12, 2009
264
J/ 32 NCYC, Western Lake Erie
I'm not sure what you want to accomplish, but you might want to check out Rydlyme.
I've used to to clean out the heat exchanger on a Yanmar diesel
 
Dec 21, 2017
6
Beneteau 31 Vancouver
I'm not sure what you want to accomplish, but you might want to check out Rydlyme.
I've used to to clean out the heat exchanger on a Yanmar diesel
Thanks Sailor Sue! I’ll check it out. I’m wanting to flush out all salt water for cooling system, impeller, etc. instead of having salt water in there over the winter.
 
Mar 6, 2008
1,250
Catalina 1999 C36 MKII #1787 Coyote Point Marina, CA.
I would disconnect the raw water pump input side hose, add an extension hose and put it in a 5 gallon bucket full of fresh water and run the engine. Make sure you do not run out of water.
 
May 17, 2004
5,469
Beneteau Oceanis 37 Havre de Grace
I would disconnect the raw water pump input side hose, add an extension hose and put it in a 5 gallon bucket full of fresh water and run the engine. Make sure you do not run out of water.
Done with antifreeze this is a very common way to winterize boats in colder climates.

If you're just looking to displace the salt water, and not worried about any kind of salt or mineral deposits that should work just fine; no need for chemicals in that case.
 
Jan 4, 2006
7,058
Hunter 310 West Vancouver, B.C.
First and foremost, what is your engine ? ? ? ? ?

Without knowing the composition of Salt Away, I would not leave it in the raw water circuit for months on end. If not the bronze, it may go after the rubber gaskets. The MSDS for Salt Away does not list any of the components so it's pretty much an unknown.

As far as salt water in the raw water circuit of my Yanmar 2GM20F, I've always left salt water in the circuit just in case it does decide to get cold for a day or two in these parts. I've replaced the raw water impeller once in 24 years and it was in perfect condition at 10 years. I still inspect every 2 - 3 years to allow for the unforeseen. I inspected and renewed gaskets in the heat exchanger two years ago and the tube sheet and tubes had minimal deposits. These were easily removed with CLR :

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I've never seen any problems on the raw water side.

This is for a 1999 Yanmar. Until we know your engine, the jury is still out.
 

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Jun 4, 2009
4,886
Pearson 530 Admiralty Bay, Bequia SVG
I was always under the impression that Salt away was to was chrome and stainless outside of the boat.
 
Nov 23, 2022
25
jeanneau 389 Toronto
It’s a really good idea to flush anything salt water has had its way with. I just saw the cad drawing for a permanent flushing nipple for Merc and Yamaha outboards. We flush the Great Lakes out cause of garbage like zebra muscle eggs. I have a small runabout on a trailer. Has a valuable 500hp engine so gets flushed every trip.