Backed into some mud - Need to flush outdrive?

[obsessive]

Well, after filling the boat at the marina, I had to back out, as the wind was playing games with us, keeping the boat against the dock. What I didn't know was that the water was only 1.5' deep about 20' behind the boat. As I was backing away, I felt the stern of the boat rise and the engine stalled (I was only about 1/8 throttle). The area that they had just dredged had silted in, and my outdrive planted itself in it.

I had my wife come up front, and (as always when in the marina) I had the outdrive about 1/4 of the way up. I started the boat, placed it in forward gear, and gave it a bit of throttle and she popped right out (leaving a nice muddy cloud behind).

It is possible (probably very likely) that I sucked some silt into the raw water intakes on the outdrive. Do I need to flush it out? We continued upriver after a short shakedown period (during which I kept a keen eye on the temp gauge) with no issues. Also, was the stalling due to the lack of water flow (is there a sensor), or simply from the silt/mud?

 

[estebanj]

I've had this happen before. As long as temp is OK, I wouldn't worry about it. Running it at speed took care of the "flushing."

Esteban

 

[Loneranger]

As long as raw water is flowing it should wash out any debris you picked up. I would look at my props however as that is how I always ding up my props.

John

 

[Hampton]

The mud probably stopped/slowed the rotation of the prop enough to cause the engine to slow and stop. You are not protected while backing up, use caution. Agree that running it flushed it. Next problems: Worn raw water impeller. Worn housing around the impeller - if there are any pebbles or similar. PS - We've all done this or worse.