Flushing a diesel

[J Cianflone]

What is the best way to flush a raw saltwater cooled diesel engine? Can I run water through the water jacket w/o having the engine running? I have read about marsolve and salt-x. Has anybody used these? I am concerned there is blockage due to rust and salt build up over twenty years. I have been told that white vinegar will disolve salt deposits. I have some stuff called CLR that is used for household purposes. Can I use this stuff? Will reaming the water jacket with a wire or some type of brush do any damage? Any ideas would be a help. Thanks

 

[Bill O'Donovan]

Leave bad enough alone

If you were worried about having a heart attack, you wouldn't flush cholestral through your system to clean out your heart.And so you shouldn't flush an engine that you already think may be about to clog. Suggest dismantling the mixing elbow first and replacing it if clogged with rust and soot. Do not try to clean it, which is hopeless and pound foolish. Archives here has much info on replacing the elbow, happens all the time.

 

[Jack Swords]

Flush with freshwater

We have a Catalina 30 with raw water cooled engine. I have plumbed the sink into the inlet to the engine (2 valves needed) and after running the engine in salt water I fill the sink with fresh water (outlet closed) from the water tank, close the thruhull inlet, and run the contents through the engine thereby flushing it with fresh water. I have used Salt-X in the flush water, but fresh water mostly. When leaving the boat for several months, I add radiator anticorrosive/waterpump lubricant to the sink water and this remains in the engine until we return. The engine remains in good health.