Engine flushing and the thermostat

[250_money_pit]

After cruising in salt water, I was wondering if my Salt-Away engine flushing technique may need a little tweaking. Do I need to allow the engine to heat up enough to open up the thermostat ? Just wondering if the salt-away is going to all the places that it needs to, or will allowing the thermostat to open make the flushing even more effective ? Your advice appreciated.

 

[STIHLBOLTS]

First welcome to the board Money Pit. Slip over to who's who and introduce yourself to the rest of the board.

As to your using salt away. Always run up the motor to operating temperature before shutting it off. That should ensure the flushing agent has completely saturated the engine. I use it myself when in salt water. :grin:

 

[250_money_pit]

Thanks, I ran it in the driveway today for about 15 minutes before I allowed the salt away to go in. The temperature gauge seemed to level out at 150-152 degrees. I have a Mercruiser 5.0 on a 220 Select. Would this be the optimum temperature ? Thanks again.

 

[STIHLBOLTS]

That should do the trick. I see your in our neck of the woods. We are having a Rendezvous in June. See the Gulf Coast for information. The more the merrier! :thumbsup:

 

[250_money_pit]

Will do ! Thanks

 

[midway]

Welcome to the CSR group.

Go here for the information on the June rendezvous.

Sea Ray Lifestyle & Cruising:

June 7-10-2007 Panama City Beach Rendezvous

I sure wish June would hurry up and get here.

 

[250_money_pit]

Thanks all !

 

[capz]

I'm debating whether to add a flushing system to my merc. I'm having second thoughts after speaking to a mechanic. He's been in the marine industry for years, working on race boats. He said don't bother unless the boat will be left in the water without running it for longer than a couple weeks. He says proper winterizing and just running the engine regularly will do just fine. I was a bit puzzled as any engine service manual recommends flushing after every use. Any thoughts?

 

[STIHLBOLTS]

I think the mechanic is correct on one point, the more you run a engine the less mechanical problems you are going to have. Sitting for long periods is a motor killer in any application. I flush my motor after each use for two reasons, one to get the salt out and the other to get any silt / sand out that I can. Only time will tell if the regular exercise of this will do me any good. Since I plan on keeping my boat a while longer, at least 3 more years I will let you know what the risers and manifolds look like. :thumbsup:

 

[Alex F]

When I had my 175BR, which I trailered all the time, I flushed the engine after every use. The only times I didn't is when I was comming back for the ride in a next few days. I had the boat for 6 years with issues with the engine or outdrive.

Alex.