Flush saltwater from 3.0 Mercruiser?

Don Copeland

New Member
Mar 30, 2018
5
Boat Info
1998 175
Engines
3.0 Mercruiser
I just bought a 1998 175 BR. It's been on fresh water....about to expose to salt water. how do i flush salt water on this motor?
 
With flushing muffs and a garden hose. Better yet add a Salt Away dispenser between the hose and the muffs. Once it's all set up turn the hose on about 1/2 full flow and start the engine and run it for at least a few minutes after the thermostat has opened.
 
With flushing muffs and a garden hose. Better yet add a Salt Away dispenser between the hose and the muffs. Once it's all set up turn the hose on about 1/2 full flow and start the engine and run it for at least a few minutes after the thermostat has opened.


So this post came up as I was searching for this exact answer. Which is extremely helpful, was wondering if you could expand on this a little for me. I’m planning on exposing my boat to sea water for about a week. Have a slip at the condo we are staying at in Ocean City Maryland. How often should the the motor be flushed? Is it feasible to just do it once I return home from our trip? Should it be done every day after use? Thanks in advance for any help it is greatly appreciated.
 
I flushed every outing. But I was in salt every time and trailered my 175 Sport. I think most people in your situation that will leave it in the water, flush once after they pull it out of the salt water at the end.
 
I just this last couple of weeks moved a freshwater boat down to the Florida Gulf coast. I did a fair amount of research on this and decided the best way to protect the boat was with the Salt Away (SA) product.

I've now completed the procedure twice.
  • Pull the boat out and lower the unit
  • Position water muffs over lower unit intakes
  • Fill plastic bowl of SA unit with Salt Away solution
  • Connect the hose to the SA dispenser
  • Connect the SA to the water muffs
  • Make sure SA dispenser dial is in Rinse position
  • Turn on water 100%
  • Start boat and let idle for at least 5 minutes to ensure thermostat has opened. (exhaust water will be HOT)
  • While boat is idling if you have a second hose use to rinse rest of boat.
  • Once hot turn SA dispenser to 'Run' and allow the solution to flow into the engine
  • Once exhaust water starts foaming turn off engine (Not SA Unit)
  • Turn off hose
  • Disconnect SA unit from muffs
  • Use the remaining SA solution to spray your trailer, trailer brakes, and boat
 

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