Engine Flush Water Pressure Question

[BryanOnTheBay]

I am looking to in stall one of these (www.quickflushvalve.com), but my question really applies to all in line flush connections. How much water pressure should you use? Can too much cause problems, or will the water pump protect the engine?

I was thinking that if there was a problem, adding a pressure regulator as a fail safe, could help with an accidental over pressuring. Thanks in advance.

Bryan

 

[JimFromMD]

If you have an outdrive, the cooling water is pulled through the leg. Im not sure how you can flush your motors except via the muff approach. The link is blocked on my office computer, but I get the sense you are looking at an in-line valve/bypass kind of connection?

 

[mistercomputerman]

FWIW
http://www.perko.com/catalog/category/underwater_hardware/product/55/

 

[BryanOnTheBay]

FWIW
http://www.perko.com/catalog/category/underwater_hardware/product/55/

I have a B3 outdrive, so my water intake is through it. That works on an inboard, however it begs the same question, as a hose hooks up to the bypass on it as well.

Bryan

 

[BryanOnTheBay]

Yes. Perko makes a plastic one as well, and I worry about it failing. The QuickFlush is marine bronze and stainless steel. The boat will fail before it does. The valves break the intake line under the engine. I can't use muffs because I am on a lift and can't get to the outdrive.

My concern is can any damage be done if my kids crank up the water volume.

Bryan

 

[bbwhitejr]

Yes. Perko makes a plastic one as well, and I worry about it failing. The QuickFlush is marine bronze and stainless steel. The boat will fail before it does. The valves break the intake line under the engine. I can't use muffs because I am on a lift and can't get to the outdrive.

My concern is can any damage be done if my kids crank up the water volume.

Bryan

Bryan,
I just removed the Perko Flush Pro from my boat. The original owner had installed it for the same reason-boat on a lift. I did use the thing a few times as it was easier to hook up the water hose in the transom locker than to get out the muffs. As the water is sucked into the water pump by the impeller, I do not think you run the risk of too much water pressure. I have 30-60lbs on my pump at home and I always turned it wide open. I took it out because of the reason you state above and I simply do not need it. It was just something else that could fail. Just my $.02...

Bennett

 

[BryanOnTheBay]

Bryan,
I just removed the Perko Flush Pro from my boat. The original owner had installed it for the same reason-boat on a lift. I did use the thing a few times as it was easier to hook up the water hose in the transom locker than to get out the muffs. As the water is sucked into the water pump by the impeller, I do not think you run the risk of too much water pressure. I have 30-60lbs on my pump at home and I always turned it wide open. I took it out because of the reason you state above and I simply do not need it. It was just something else that could fail. Just my $.02...

Bennett

Thanks, Bennett. It sounds like the pump only allows through what the engine needs.

Bryan

 

[Sublimetime]

use extreme caution motor must be running before water supply is turned on or you risk the chance of filling a cylinder and getting hydrolock.

 

[BryanOnTheBay]

use extreme caution motor must be running before water supply is turned on or you risk the chance of filling a cylinder and getting hydrolock.

Thanks Sublimetime. Hydro locking is my concern.

Bryan

 

[speakrdude]

Been there, done that. Didn't get a new t-shirt~

 

[ehood]

Just learned that $6000 life lesson. Thought it was a starter problem since I had just replaced the starboard starter for dragging, chased starter and cables as the issue, engine would lock up then would turn over real slow, burned up the new starter, replaced starter, same issue then pulled plugs, blew water out the cylinders. then realized what had happened (started taking PROZAC about then) it had been a month since hooking it up to the faucet. 7 bent valves and too much scaling and pitting in the cylinders. Just finished replacing the motor.

 

[BryanOnTheBay]

When one thinks about it, it does make sense. There isn't water pressure normally until the engine starts. This is a lesson I am trying to learn the "easy" way.

So, it seems to me that the proper procedure for flushing the engine with an in-line flush is:

1. Start engine;
2. Start water;
3. Flush;
4. Stop water;
5. Stop engine.

Someone correct me if I am wrong. Thanks!

Bryan

 

[peterkvs]

This is the correct procedure. If you have water pumps mounted on the engine so they are getting fed water you should not have any problems. If your water pump is in the out drive, you are going to burn it up unless you use the muff.

Pete

 

[BryanOnTheBay]

On the engine. Thanks!

Bryan

 

[rmlsll]

My procedure on my 5.0 / bravo 3
1 turn on water (water will exit thru inlet on outdrive)
2 start engine (water will exit thru transom plate / prop)
3 turn off engine
4 turn off water

 

[peachypete82]

Yes. Perko makes a plastic one as well, and I worry about it failing. The QuickFlush is marine bronze and stainless steel. The boat will fail before it does. The valves break the intake line under the engine. I can't use muffs because I am on a lift and can't get to the outdrive.

My concern is can any damage be done if my kids crank up the water volume.

Bryan

And fail they do... i made one myself.. nylon heavy duty fittings... solid as a rock. Only difference is instead of an auto valve that the perko has, you have to close a ball valve...