I/O Flush Options

[estebanj]

What are my in-water flush options for a Merc 350 MAG MPI B3 MCM?

* Perko (requires running engine)
* Merc Kit (don't know part number or specs)
* MST Guardian

Any others?

I want to be able to flush the engine after each outing in salt water with the boat in the water. Ideally I can connect a hose to a fitting in the transom and not run the engine.

How does the Perko work with the outdrive inlets in the water?

Thanks,

Esteban

 

[Sea Ray 300]

This has been discussed...
An excerpt:

When I bought my '96, I contacted Volvo. They informed me that most of the commercial fishermen in Virginia were running raw water cooling systems, for simplicity sake. While I realized that this did not address all concerns about an outdrive, I had a simple solution.
I had the dealer install a flushing system. It consisted of a 3/4" hose inlet at the stern, which T'd off and connected to 2 - 1/2" hoses, each of which were connected to to engine block drains.
The 3/4" inlet was capped, except for flushing.
At the end of the day, after all systems cooled down, I would unscrew the cap, connect a hose and turn it on. The water would start at the base of the engine, flushing through it and working its way up, and proceeded to flush the manifolds, risers, and part of the outdrive.
It was nothing more elaborate than a few fittings and a few hoses, for a total installed cost of $250, and my engine/outdrive was near perfect in salt water, but I replaced the risers and manifold for "safety sake" after 7 years . At 10 years, I sold her, and the engine compression check was like new.
It is interesting that newer Volvo sterndrives now come with a similar arrangement.
_________________

 

[boatrboy]

Take a look at this thread

http://www.byowneryachts.com/forums/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2053&highlight=

I hope this helps

 

[estebanj]

Thank you for the link. Here's what I have so far:

* Volvo Neutra Salt (should work on most I/Os, cost can be a concern due to concentrate cost)

* Perko (some people have concern with plastic housing)

* Merc Kit (have not been able to find any info on what option(s) Merc offers)

* MST Guardian / SuperFlush (no need to run engine)

* Custom rigging with engine running (as in post 2053)

* Custom rigging with engine off (similar to MST/SuperFlush)

Thanks,

Esteban

 

[estebanj]

Found this (finally) from/for Merc. Part number 898235A01. It requires that the boat be out of the water. I'm guessing it simply taps into the water line coming from the outdrive, and adding a valve to shut off the sea water would allow it to work in-water.

See image.

Esteban

 

[estebanj]

I'm going with the Super Flush (MST Guardian) for the following reasons:

* Reasonable cost
* Easy DIY
* Can be run with boat in-water
* No need to run engine

I also like the custom system in post 2053, but the thing keeping me away is the need to open engine hatch to open/close valves. This is not terrible, but if I can avoid it better.

Thanks,

Esteban