Saltwater and outboards...

[Brian D]

Along the same lines as the flushing engine thread, I was curious to know if there is something other than Salt Away to flush out an outboard? I know the manual recommends fresh water after each use, but that is not always possible. I am sure there is a build up of salt in/on my water pump and cooling coils.Is there anything, maybe that can be used in conjunction with Salt Away, that will help break down the salt deposits in my cooling system? To the best of my knowledge, my cooling system is working fine, I just want to make sure and keep it that way.Thanks of any inputs.

 

[RichH]

The aluminum is the problem ......

aluminum is attacked and readily oxidized by most 'pickling' chemicals. Thats leaves vigorous flushing with fresh water when done and/or a periodic dissassembly and mechanical cleaning/reaming if needed. Besides .... for LONG engine life most outboards should be stripped at the end of each season and especially (in many cases) regrease the splines on the shafting that couples with the crankshaft. The crankshaft is cast steel and if the coupling splines (that drive the transmission, etc.) arent periodically 'sealed' with grease the crankshaft 'nose' is prone to rust/rot. 

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Mystery product

I recently watched an episode of Shipshape TV in which they were hawking a product that you tie into the cooling line. Supposedly, it chemically removes the salt without having to flush the system with fresh water after every use.Anyone else seen that who recalls the name?

 

[Warren]

Salt Water Outboard

I have been dealing with salt & outboards for 30+ years. Of course it would be best to flush after every use. However, I never could do that. The engine is on the boat from Late May to Mid September. I flush the engine in a trash can at the end of the season when it is winterized. I have not had a problem with salt buildup. When the engine is on the boat, I allow a few minutes, after shutdown (motor still in the water)for the cooling water to drain. I always tip the motor up in the "out of water" position when not in use. Flush the motor off, then grease/oil all points at the end of season.

 

[Jeff]

Why not Salt Away?

Why not Salt Away?How is it that you are sure you have buildup?I use Salt Away with the water hose dispenser supplied by Salt Away, but have no idea if the engine is actually free of buildup, however my mechanic has never complained.

 

[Alan]

Saltwater and outboards

I use a 4hp Yamaha on my dighy. It gets flushed with fresh water every nite after the days use. I have taken the water pump out and replaced the impeller a couple of times in 10 years. The inside of the engine and pump are in perfect condition. The fresh water flush has been doing the job just fine. Just hook up a flush cuff and run it for 2 minutes to run the carb empty.

 

[KorculaChris]

Same as Warren...

My 1986 Evinrude 9.9 sits on the bracket from April to September. I sail in salt water. At the end of an outing, I let the motor sit in run position while I tidy up the boat and get everything squared away. Then I tilt it up with the bracket in the raised position. At the end of the season, I run the motor on a stand with a hose hooked up with fresh water and let it run at a fast idle for 12-15 minutes (the neighbors haven't complained yet!). No problems at all, and when I replaced the impeller last Spring there was some salt build-up in the bottom of the leg cavity which I cleaned out. I read somewhere, in a manual I think, that that was appropriate procedure and it seems to be OK. I have a great flow through the pee hole, anywat.