correct flushing technique ?

[Ron1204]

When I purchased my boat (03 weekender) the PO told me the way to flush it was just putting the hose running through the rear compartment area where the hose attachment is (3rd pic) and then turn the engine on switch the lever in the picture to the bottom. Anyone have any insight or information as to if this is correct and what system this is ? He also did not mention Enron about flushing the out drive (bravo 3) separately. Does the out drive need a separate flushing somewhere else? Another thing to mention, he said it’s ok to turn the engine on for a minute or two without having the hose connected. He said in that time the engine won’t over heat. To add to everything, I’m pretty sure the temperature gauge on the dash is broken because it won’t go past 120. Any info or clarification is much appreciated.

 

[scoflaw]

He's giving you bad info. Don't run the engine unless the water is on. If that's the way he does it you best change the water pump and get the temp gauge working. You probably realize that's not a 454 and it looks neglected as well. Rusty pullies and manifolds.

 

[Little Ducky]

If the connections in the 3rd picture flush your motor your boat is not plumbed correctly.

One of those connections is a hose connection that supplies city water to the boat sinks/showers etc. and the valve pictured is for a hose connection to do some surface cleaning/washdown. None of which has anything to do with the engines or the outdrive.

 

[Ron1204]

He's giving you bad info. Don't run the engine unless the water is on. If that's the way he does it you best change the water pump and get the temp gauge working. You probably realize that's not a 454 and it looks neglected as well. Rusty pullies and manifolds.

yea I actually realized after I purchased a lot of what he told me was false information. This is a big deal because if I can’t flush properly how am I going to maintain the engine and out drive properly. I’m beyond pissed about it.

 

[Ron1204]

If the connections in the 3rd picture flush your motor your boat is not plumbed correctly.

One of those connections is a hose connection that supplies city water to the boat sinks/showers etc. and the valve pictured is for a hose connection to do some surface cleaning/washdown. None of which has anything to do with the engines or the outdrive.

wow that’s crazy to hear. It’s insane. Can you point me to the correct way to flush the motor and out drive ? Just for info when I “flush” it this way, the water comes out by the bottom of the outdrive. I need to get this thing checked out quick before I blow this motor up.

 

[scoflaw]

If it's a trailer boat put muffs on the outdrive, turn on the water and then the engine.

 

[Ron1204]

I’m going to have to learn what muffs are. When you say turn the water on, do you mean by where i showed u in the picture ? In the rear compartment or somewhere else ?

 

[scoflaw]

Your not sayin if it's a trailer boat I'm talking garden hose directly to the flusher that pushes onto the lower unit.

 

[Little Ducky]

Depending on the type of outdrive the muff could be this simple. Some others have different muff sizes and configurations. https://www.amazon.com/SEACHOICE-18...+muffs&qid=1626440121&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-4

Now if you have water in your fresh water tank, have a working fresh water pump, and if it can supply enough water yes you can use the spigot that is in picture 3.

 

[Ron1204]

Your not sayin if it's a trailer boat I'm talking garden hose directly to the flusher that pushes onto the lower unit.

sorry, yes the boat is on the trailer. I’ll try to find that

 

[Ron1204]

Depending on the type of outdrive the muff could be this simple. Some others have different muff sizes and configurations. https://www.amazon.com/SEACHOICE-18...+muffs&qid=1626440121&s=sporting-goods&sr=1-4

Now if you have water in your fresh water tank, have a working fresh water pump, and if it can supply enough water yes you can use the spigot that is in picture 3.

it’s a bravo 3 out drive . When I connect water to that hose I do hear something pumping . So the outdrive and the motor both have to be flushed separately ? Is there a way to flush the motor that’s not the way I’m doing it ?

Another question, let’s think worst case scenario. That hose or connection is not to flush my engine. Wouldn’t I have blown the engine or something? I have flushed it and accelerated it in neutral for like 10 min at a time . I’m thinking something would have happened already, am I right ?

 

[scoflaw]

Don't accelerate in neutral, the muffs will flush motor and drive. You can easily burn up your impellor without noticing it. Fix that gauge. replace that impellor.

 

[Ron1204]

Ok so the muffs go on the holes of the first picture right ?
Also just noticed this wire in the second picture. I’m no mechanic but I’m guessing it shouldn’t be there ??

 

[scoflaw]

Yes to holes. That's a bonding wire that should be attached. That drive looks rough

 

[Ron1204]

Just called a west marine near me for the muffs. Going to pick it up in a bit. So when flushing, I shouldn’t move the lever that’s by the engine bay ? Or does it have a cutoff that doesn’t let the water run through or something ?

 

[scoflaw]

turn the garden hose on full tilt and just let the engine idle, that simple

 

[Ron1204]

With the muffs on only right ? The water should come out of the propeller ?

man I’m thinking that if this is how the engine and drive have been flushed by the previous owner, they both could be in very bad shape inside. I’m seriously considering selling this…

 

[scoflaw]

yes and yes

 

[Ron1204]

Ok good to know. Appreciate your responses

 

[Pirate Lady]

I was gonna make a snide comment, but I looked up thread and realized its a different kind of flushing, so never mind.