Factory Fresh water flush ports Merc 6.2 Mx MPI

[Madifonzo]

I have been getting conflicting information on the purpose and proper use of the factory installed mercrusier fresh water ports installed on both engines. I bought my new boat under the assumption that I could hook a garden hose to the ports and run the engines to flush saltwater after each use. However I am being told that since my engines draw from the drives that I would be drawing raw water as well. This just doesn't make sense. Why would someone have this Merc option installed if you can use it while the boat is water. Am I getting bad information?

i would greatly appreciate if some one who has these ports and uses them can explain how to flush the salt water from engines. I have read that you need to remove blue plugs, turn hose on and allow to flush with engine off. If you don't remove plugs and engine is off you risk filling cylinders with water since there is no exhaust pressure to push the water through the manifolds and risers.

Any Clarity would be greatly appreciated.

 

[sheehyjo]

I had them recently installed to replace the perko flush kits. I was told that you just run the water with the engine on, turn off the water after you are done flushing, then immediately turn off the engine. I assumed he suggested this order to remove any possibility of causing engine damage. I also use salt away hooked up with a pressure washer detergent injector for added measure.

 

[Madifonzo]

Don't think it works that way. You would still be drawing water through the drive unless your kit has a check valve. I'm told the OEM kit does not have the check valve.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Basically, it's better than nothing (and better than the plastic Perko thingy, in my opinion). If a spring-loaded check valve fails, you likely end up with an overheating situation due to lack of water - along with it being a source for clogging. Yes, you'll draw a little raw water in along with the fresh water, but it will be a lot less. After flushing (add Salt Away if you want), turn the engine off THEN the water supply. If you wanted to eliminate all raw water, you'd need to install a bronze T, along with (2) bronze, full-flow shut-off valves. And, of course, remember to put the valves back to normal before running the engine on raw water again.

 

[Madifonzo]

So basically start engines as normal then turn on fresh water tap and rinse as best I can. This will essentially dilute the salt water. So my next question is finding the fittings that attach. When I bought the boat the previous owner did not leave them in the boat. I have been going crazy trying to find the male ends (ends that attached to garden hose) but to no avail. Can you offer a solution for that? I have asked several merc dealers and they say the fittings are only available in the whole kit.

Item 10 on this break down is what I need. http://www.miamimarina.com/frontend...A4A5D722FED86A2?image=blocks/COMMON/34316.gif

 

[Lazy Daze]

Yup. I think it actually dilutes it quite a bit as long as you just idle, or keep it the RPM's low.

I'll ask my parts guy to check into the male fittings. BUT... take a look at the "push button" on the female fitting... is there a "CPC" logo? Merc uses a lot of Colder's products and it's possible that's who makes it (although I don't know for sure). If you see that logo, then take a look through their website or contact them directly. They may be able to either sell it to you, or direct you to a retailer.

On the other hand, another way to go is to simply get rid of the female piece are just start fresh with new male/female fittings. Colder Products would be one avenue to look at with their valved bodies. Another direction would be something like a cam lever set up with a plug/cap for when you're not flushing.

An example of Colder products (3/4" hose, right?) http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/item.aspx?itemid=23027&catid=743

Example of cam levers: http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/default.aspx?catid=976&parentcatid=744

If you can't find a fitting that ends in a female hose fitting, no big deal. Just take a hose, cut the female end off along with about a foot of the hose and attach that to one of the new fittings (get one with a barb end) and this becomes your new adapter piece. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!

 

[Madifonzo]

Thanks so much for the direction on this. Very helpful. And I actually found the fitting on a merc site. $50 of course but I found it.

 

[Lazy Daze]

$50 of course but I found it.

Yikes! :smt101