Fresh Water Flush on Cummins QSC 550

Shaps

Shaps

Well-Known Member
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Nov 4, 2019
2,476
Long Island,NY
Boat Info
2010 Sundancer 500
2015 Brig Falcon 330T
Engines
Twin Cummins QSC550 w Zeus Pods
Having some work done and new aftercoolers put on.
I've read a fair amount from Seaboard Marines website and I certainly understand the apparent value of doing a fresh water flush after a day's run.
https://www.sbmar.com/articles/the-benefits-of-fresh-water-flushing-your-marine-diesel-engine/

I would get the strainer caps like in this photo:
https://www.sbmar.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/fresh-flush-setup-2.jpg

However, my thought/question is this.
After running all day, what is the likelihood i dive down to the engine room where the temps will be rather hot to do this. Has anyone come up with a way to run these to a location that makes it more palatable/easier to get to?

Thanks!
 
I use the caps in option 1 on Seaboard's site and the second picture is actually my boat. I do this in Florida and it is not a big problem. You do not need to stay in the engine room during the whole flush. I hook up the hose, start the water, turn on the engine then go outside to wash down the boat. Do 1/2 the boat then switch engines and finish the boat wash.
You could easily run hoses from the caps to an easier location in the transom if needed on your boat.
 
I’m building an engine off flush system. I built a pvc, valved manifold that will be in my transom locker. I’ll then tap into the pressure side port of my seawater pump, where there’s a 1/4” NPT fitting. This is on a qsb 5.9, so I’m not sure if your seawater pump is the same. Also, you need to make sure for engine off flushing that you do NOT have a lift muffler, and that all the water flow is downhill from your exhaust shower.

My goal was also to not have to go in the engine room after every run.
 
Thank you becnme. Nicely done on those and appreciate the feedback.
Have you pulled your aftercoolers since you added the flush setup?
If so, are they noticeably different??

"You could easily run hoses from the caps to an easier location in the transom if needed on your boat."

I think that would be more to my liking... would still need the ball valve somewhere near the transom i imagine. just looking for options and what others have done.
 
Becnme how much did the install cost or did you do it yourself and just buy the kit?
 
Shaps said:
That is my exactly my goal as well. Thanks flyboycj84
Any pictures would be greatly appreciated
Click to expand...
Here’s the manifold.....
I used 3/4” braided vinyl hose to run to the motors. I also ran a test to test the water flow from the 1/4” NPT fitting, and it was an acceptable amount of water to flush what needs to be flushed.
315443D5-2AE2-41F4-ABD9-0EDA7124E8AE.jpeg


 
I've also been considering a fresh water flush for my QSB 6.7. I also have no desire to go into the engine space to hook up hoses, and want something I could connect from the cockpit.

I've been noodling around with a design that would use a hose bib connection in the cockpit It would then go to a manifold for the engine, AC, and generator. Each would tap into the raw water supply have a check value. Fresh water would be via dockside hose connection. My main issue is I have not yet found the parts to be able to effectively create a T for the genny and AC lines.

This is the sketch I drew up.

Fresh Water Flush Diagram.jpg
 
b_arrington said:
I've also been considering a fresh water flush for my QSB 6.7. I also have no desire to go into the engine space to hook up hoses, and want something I could connect from the cockpit.

I've been noodling around with a design that would use a hose bib connection in the cockpit It would then go to a manifold for the engine, AC, and generator. Each would tap into the raw water supply have a check value. Fresh water would be via dockside hose connection. My main issue is I have not yet found the parts to be able to effectively create a T for the genny and AC lines.

This is the sketch I drew up.

View attachment 82566
Click to expand...
Why the cockpit Brad? Playing devils advocate why have the extra water hook up there as opposed to the transom area?
 
I don't have a trunk on my transom like I did with my AJ. All the service connections are in the cockpit anyway (water, electric, cable).

This is my transom.

upload_2020-4-17_11-42-53.png
 
Shaps said:
Thank you becnme. Nicely done on those and appreciate the feedback.
Have you pulled your aftercoolers since you added the flush setup?
If so, are they noticeably different??

"You could easily run hoses from the caps to an easier location in the transom if needed on your boat."

I think that would be more to my liking... would still need the ball valve somewhere near the transom i imagine. just looking for options and what others have done.
Click to expand...

I did the aftercoolers at the same time as the fresh water flush. I can say the fresh water flush extended the life of the zincs on my previous boat.
 
b_arrington said:
I've also been considering a fresh water flush for my QSB 6.7. I also have no desire to go into the engine space to hook up hoses, and want something I could connect from the cockpit.

I've been noodling around with a design that would use a hose bib connection in the cockpit It would then go to a manifold for the engine, AC, and generator. Each would tap into the raw water supply have a check value. Fresh water would be via dockside hose connection. My main issue is I have not yet found the parts to be able to effectively create a T for the genny and AC lines.

This is the sketch I drew up.

View attachment 82566
Click to expand...
Just talking out loud
Could you use two 12 volt valves
For the AC Put one in between the thru hull and brass tee that will close on activation and then the one you have after the strainer will open on activation.
I think this will work with a little wiring and switches.
Maybe if you can get a normally open valve and one normally closed valve with one switch.
When you turn on the switch one will close and one will open.
 
Last edited:
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