Learn tons of Tricks & Skills like this with Step-by-Step courses @ BornAgainBoating.com

Valid points all. I've pulled my fair share of power heads and I think the most important takeaway is this: The worst thing you can do to a boat is not use it. I'm retired and use my boat at least 4 days a week but usually more in saltwater. I don't flush unless I know I'm not going to use the boat for a while in which case I do flush before any time of storage. What you want to avoid is scaling build up in the cooling galleys. When scaling build up happens, the rust tends to flake up and clog those cooling galleys. If you use your boat on a regular basis like I do, the rust doesn't have a chance to form/build up because every time you use the boat the rust or scaling is flushed out the exhaust and doesn't have a chance to build up. Just my two cents. Great video, thx.

Great information. I have owned boats for 30 years and this is always a question that goes back and forth among friends with several differing opinions.

Up here in panhandle of FL. I flush it warm until the water out the bottom doesn’t taste salty. 😝

Another great video. Your presentations are always articulate, engaging and to the point. It’s nice to have the flush attachment explained after all these years of having one. As a northern boater I don’t like you say worry much about doing it though. By the time I’ve run it on the muffs warm enough to change the oil at season’s end I figure whatever little silt is in there is probably gone. Those pics of salt water motor cores dissolving into nothing really hurts! 😰

Thanks, awesome video. Thanks for clarifying the flushing on the flush port while the engine is running. Usually only do it before an oil change to heat up the oil before changing it. All other times I flush as soon I get back to my slip.

The BEST resource for Real Boat and engine maintenance. Debunking "Bro Captain" myths, backed by real experience and knowledge. I've run out boards for 20 years, with three times a year "salt away" flushes. When you add too much work at the end of a boating day, it makes you use your boat less often. The "every time flushing" obsession, is overkill... Thanks for the great channel.

One of the best gauges you can have on an outboard power boat is a cooling water pressure gauge. Gives you a reference to impellor condition while running so you can recognise any changes.

@ct1762

Жыл бұрын

its great for telling pump condition, but if it drops at high speed damage will occur (atleast on 2 strokes) before you know whats happening, and just before your warning horn goes off. of course reducing speed to idle and tapping the primer will help save the cylinders, but most boaters arent experienced enough to know to do that.

Great info! I use a flush bag. But, when I don't have the bag I take the thermostats out before I flush. Also flush with barnacle buster every year.

Fantastic explanation, I absolutely enjoy every video you put out. Thank you.

Great informative videos, thank you. You did not mention boats on lifts, which is probably a small minority compared to trailered boats. I live in salt water FL canal and always flush my motor as soon as I get it on the lift while the thermostats are still warm and open. Of course the thermostats probably cool and close soon, at least I get a minute of open flush.

I flush after every use since I run in salt water. Every 2 years I change the thermostat so when that’s due I remove the old one and put the housing back on without a thermostat in place. After dropping the lower I mix up some Rydlyme in a 5 gallon bucket, drop in a sump pump and use a old piece of garden hose in the water inlet tube and let it cycle for 3-4 hours. When complete I change the internal anodes and everything looks brand new. Probably overkill but it’s worked well for me

@jeffgirardet5334

Жыл бұрын

That is to a tee exactly what I do. Well done.

@pete926

Жыл бұрын

Keep up the good work.

@JoseHernandez-ct8kd

Жыл бұрын

Q

@shark_bones

Жыл бұрын

That's the way to go. Thanks for the comment

@brianallen6341

Жыл бұрын

Agree. I like overkill too when it comes to marine, aviation and offroad stuff. Keep up the good stuff!

Thanks ! good info, well explained, clear camera shots. You can be a good teacher for mechanics too

@BornAgainBoating

Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Living in North Queensland Australia, I have always flushed the engine with some muffs at the wash-down bays provided as soon as I get in, then again when I get home and give the boat a real clean. But will have to find a large bin for flushing at home I think.

I always flush my 200 in a large barrel. If you want to tune up your motor, it's wise to check out your adjustments with the motor in a barrel since it has thru hub exhaust. I've made carburetor adjustments in the past and used mouse ears to test it, only to find out the motor runs differently when it's in the water and the exhaust is under pressure.

Thanks for clearing up all the misconceptions.

Great topic. Right on time. Always pro tips for the newb.

Will Aaron, I was a little skeptical about running your engine while on the flush attachment. So today, to warm the motor before changing the oil in my 2015 40 Yamaha I gave it a try. Ran it for 10 minutes or so at idle and no problems at all. The good thing about this method is, my motor won't pump water while on the moths. I either need to put it in a bucket or now use the flush attachment.

Another great video, Aaron! Learn something new from every video. Interesting stuff about the 'rib' showing the wear of the impeller.

This guy is the best on KZread! Awesome mechanic..

You actually can’t flush the engine on the flush attachment without the lower unit attached, because the water directly flows down towards the the same tube that is used when what is sent to the motor just the opposite direction . , directly shoots water down to the lower unit to build up back pressure as well as to ensure filling up that area with water, which is exactly where the impeller is. It will have just as much water as if you put the muffs on it. All good advice here, my grandfather never would rev the engine without the big old trash can.

I'm glad you went into detail about where the water is coming out. I'm new to boat ownership and not to many people in my area like Johnson's, even mechanics don't know slot about older one's. I haven't been using my boat frequently so I am planning on using alot of your suggestions.

Inboard motor folks say pressuring the intake water system with dockside water (which can be quite high) is not good. In this case a valved hose fitting plumbed before the strainer is used to provide the fresh water, but an open end of an intermediate hose from the flush fitting is dropped in a bucket of fresh water where the engine can draw as much as it needs, not forced.

I use a bucket. Submerge the entire lower unit plus another 2" minimum. Putting the entire impeller under water. Meaning it doesn't need to LIFT water from the muffs before it can even lube/cool the impeller. Had some bad experiences with Yamaha on muffs, burned up brand new impellers (lubed on install with boot butter). It also puts some backpressure on the exhaust, giving a more realistic idle to see how it runs. And providing a muffler. The bucket is an old plastic 55 gallon drum. Originally held Merc's -100 antifreeze used in winterizing inboards. Cut the top off with a long sawzall metal blade, drill a hole for a rubber drain plug in the bottom. Near the top, drill a 1/8" hole about 2" down and a 1/8th slot going down from the top to the same height as the drilled hole an inch away from it. Then take an 1/8th thich rope, tie a knot in one end. Feed the united end in the hole from the outside going in, knot stops it from going all the way through. Then put the hose between the hole and the slot, pull free end of rope down into slot tightly around hose. Mark where it comes out of the bucket, knot there. Leave a 6" tail to pull the rope in and out of slot with. That holds your hose in place in the bucket and away from the prop. Plastic 55 gallon drums can be bought as survival or rainwater barrels.

Those racks with the stacked boats is such a clever storage! Never seen it before

My boat stays on trailer, the 2022 Yamaha 250 SHO has multiple intake ports where muffs will not work, so I purchased a flush bag (expensive but works great). After a day fishing, even if I don't have time to wash the boat, the engine is flushed with water, then flushed with salt away. Also soak down the entire boat and trailer with salt away, rinse well then wash the following day.

I owned a 2003 Yamaha 115 two stroke. I ran one hose on the flush attachment and earmuffs on the lower unit. I never had issues with the impeller when I replaced it.

Great video and great info! Thanks Aaron!

I have a 2001 Mercury 2 stroke 125. I added the coastal flush kit and hook it up as soon as I pull in the slip. Didn't have it for a few years and I do all my own maintenance and service. The amount of salt built up and corrosion is noticeably less since adding the flush, especially around the Tstat and the block where the tstat sits.

Such great information that is presented so well.

You guys are like the myth busters of boating !!!

@robertraft

Жыл бұрын

Its pretty much one guy, the mythbusters guys are a couple old twats...

@normbradley2204

Жыл бұрын

I really like your videos!! Thank you very much! I've done alot of work on my outboards because your videos are so informative and helpful.

Great explanation! I wish manufacturers offered a thermostat bypass just for flushing. That should be standard!

@ct1762

Жыл бұрын

most t stats will dribble water, as will the poppet valves/valve through its relief hole. its not bone dry like he claims in most motors.

That is a VERY misleading thumbnail.

Excellent video which is super helpful to a new boater like me. Very clearly put thanks.

Great video, my son lives onboard in Coco Plum and I hope you two meet someday. Great information, we live in Michigan but I still love your channel and the information you share.

Great breakdown! Keep up the work

I sure do understand more now. Thanks.

More good tips to maintain engine longevity. Thanks!

My 1980 Mercury 90hp straight six motor still runs excellent. Only used in salt water twice, then flushed by running it in a freshwater lake the very next day. It's my Tower of Power for my jet sled.

I'm still using a 1999 Honda that I bought new in 99' and has been run year round in salt ever since. I let it run on the muffs 10-15 min after every trip (while I wash the rest of the boat), and if I make a long run I'll let it idle for a few minutes to cool it down before turning it off to prevent the salt water from cooking in there. Maybe I'm lucky, or maybe these things really help. The exceptions are when I'm down in the keys or another place where it's going to be in the water for several days, then I don't bother flushing until the trip is over.

This was a really good video. Ive always done what I was told 20 years ago, always wonder about that cold flush mount on my new ones. Lol

My boat stays on the water at the marina from June to October. This year the weather was very dry and flushing engines was forbidden, as well as cleaning boats with fresh water. I've been feeling bad for that as the Suzuki dealer told me that could quickly ruin my engine. Your video tends to be more positive! Thank you for the great content of your channel.

@3JS2001

Жыл бұрын

Where are you located?

@gillesgomez3091

Жыл бұрын

@@3JS2001 South of France

@NeverEnoughPyro40

Жыл бұрын

@@gillesgomez3091 That is ridiculous! Here in the US on the East Coast even when we had drought conditions boaters were still allowed to rinse (not wash) their boats and flush their engines!

@gillesgomez3091

Жыл бұрын

@@NeverEnoughPyro40 I do agree with you but they said everyone must make an effort to use less water. I'm sure it did not save much water, but it is kind of a symbol.

@alexnutcasio936

Жыл бұрын

Salt Away is your friend. Very little water needed.

While keeping up with the flushing is important, if you care about appearance, so is prevention of the corrosion taking place on the underside of your T top shown at 13:30.

Another awesome video! Thanks! I watch every week,. What about descaling?(sp?) Do you ever do that?

I have been unable to use my 181/2 ft boat for a year. Honda 50 main and Honda 9.9 kicker.I fire each motor up in a tank once every month and run between 15 and 20 min.at approx.1200rpm. No milky looking oil if I run it 15-20 min. Run the kiker for only 5 min and condensation forms in engine oil so I get it good and warm befor I shut it off. The muffs fall off too easily. If I dont run it once a month the telltale plugs up with salt.I hope to start using the boat again next week. Viewing in Westcoast Canada. P.S. Boat lives out of water on a trailer. I kept boats tied up in the water and used them frequently when I was younger.CHEERS!!!

Been working as outboard mechanic since 1976. Old Mercury outboard motors dissolved in 70s 80s then got better with new aluminum stainless was used. We still have a few old Evinrude Johnson's from 1970s still running in salt water here on Long Island NY. Colder northern water .. Yamaha outboard excellent but now seem to have corrosion issues after 25 years on mid sections mounts exhaust housings rotted . Mercs also had tiny impeller and brass hubs often spun inside rubber melting power heads which had no alarm. I built old tower of power inline 6 nightmare motors . Hard to stop oxidation of metal in salt water with electrolysis also. I run my motor in fresh water with Dawn dish soap after end of season . I have a 1976 40 hp Johnson never flushed still good.

@paulmoss7940

Жыл бұрын

I still have one of those old . 88 115 merc. pushing a Ranger Fisherman V hull. If she falls tomorrow its been good. But I hope it doesn't.

@MitzvosGolem1

Жыл бұрын

@@paulmoss7940 water pump impeller thermostat and no VRO oil injection system run 50:1 premix . Never overheat them. Check overheat alarm horn is working. Change lower oil a few times a season Will last forever. I rebuilt so so many of these.

Yes I now do. Thanks. With my 25 Yamaha 2 stroke, as I used it almost every day, I only flushed it if it was going to sit a while. Seemed to work for me.

@NeverEnoughPyro40

Жыл бұрын

That is very poor thinking and you should change your ways, Anytime you start your engine you should flush it even if it was only running for a minute!

@fredread9216

Жыл бұрын

@@NeverEnoughPyro40 This motor/s have are/have been on my RIB inflatable. I am out cruising and living on anchor. My dingy is my car. It is used daily and a lot. I flush if I am going to store it. I change the Lower unit oil and pump impeller at specified intervals and have never had issues. Mostly Yamaha Enduro. The 25 was not an Enduro. Just good luck? I don’t think so. No way could I flush it after each use and I don’t know any cruisers that live on the anchor and are daily active with there dingy that do.

I dont use my boat often enough so I always flush after use in salt water and I always use Saltaway or other similar salt neutralising liquids . I also use the saltaway to rinse the boat trailer , so far so good with no motor issues or rust on the trailer.

My 2021 mercury 90 owners manual says to flush using the flush attachment without running, so that’s what I do. I trust the engineers who designed the darn thing. Why run if not necessary. Also could void warranty if you don’t follow manual instructions.

I flush my big 4-stroke in a large plastic storage container. Go to Lowes and buy a craftstman extra large 65gal plastic storage container, its 20inches in height which is more than enough to cover the 4 water pickups on my Yam F350 V8 by few inches and long enough to fit the lower unit cavitation plates. Fill-er up, works like a charm flushing that big 4-stroke ran the engine for over 15min before winterizing no overheating as long as you leave the hose running in the container with fresh water you good to go. I also drilled a 1 hole at the bottom and installed a simple drain plug using some pvc fitings to drain the water when i'm done, works great and i can store all my winterizing and cleaning supplies when i'm done container comes with a cover for about $35 cheap.

Great channel. Learn a lot with every video Congratulations

I live by the Great Lakes we put the lower unit in barrels or fish tanks submerge it it’s all freshwater anyhow we flush to get the zebra mussels and stuff like that from accumulating

Up here on the British Columbia coast I don't know of anyone who flushes their outboards except maybe at the end of the season when they haul out. Plenty of old motors and no issues that I'm aware.

Good video and very good arguments for the doubters 👍

@BornAgainBoating

Жыл бұрын

Nice!

Very informative video. My outboards run in fresh water. The only time I flush the engine is when I've ran it through shallow water or water that is real muddy. And last but not least, a little common sense goes a long way.

Firm believer of flushing and salt away....Whether it's a muff or the hose attachment.....I've never had an overheating problem.....The last engine replacement I pulled the head to show the passages to the buyer and the passages were very clean....He's still using a 20 year old Johnson!!

@fishing4dinner

Жыл бұрын

You nailed it Wes. Flush em and they’ll treat you right for a long time Personally I’ve used all 3 methods he mentioned here. If the boat is in the lift it goes on the flush port, if in the driveway it’s going in a bucket, if I pass a lake on the way home from the salt, I stop at the ramp.

B.S. Yamaha impeller sits in stainless cup that sits in nylon housing. It is the nylon housing that will melt when only using flush attachment. Put the muffs on it like the yamaha owners manuel states if you are running it. Flush attachment is for flushing without running the engine.

@MitzvosGolem1

Жыл бұрын

True hot exhaust may do that if ran a long time

@omieyouknowme

4 ай бұрын

Yamaha does state to flush without motor running using flush attachment in owners manuals Mercury says it's ok to idle with flush attachment Tohatsu hmm depends if it's a Honda or tohatsu varies on this. Don't know about Suzy's

Wow great video sooo many others stating ..Don’t do!!!…dealer told me the same thing….ok at idle!!!!

Really great informative video!!!!!!!!!!!

I rarely flush .. and only on muffs ... But I run 250-300 hrs per year... and at least 1/2 an hour each weekend... Twin 150 etecs now .. I keep the boat in the water 10-11 months a year. New impellers and thermostats every two years (500 to 600) hours Never had cooling issues ... I can see flushing after use in dirty water, or before storing for several weeks.. but I have put 2000 hrs on sets of out boards .. approaching 10,000 hours of experience of not flushing after each use .. in salt water ...without cooling issues..

Running a 15hp Yamaha on a dinghy yacht tender. Basically gets a good flush once a year, and just used very regularly during sailing season.

I use a pressure washer to blast all the salt off then you can rub your finger on the motor and taste it to make sure it's all clean of salt no need to run it at all.

Something else to remember are your zinc anodes .. super important to help avoid corrosion of the aluminum engine parts… flushing just as important .. I use a half drum and run for at least 15 min after every use on my smaller engines

Good video. Aside from its good to do or bad you explain the mechanics and use some good logic. Thanks

@BornAgainBoating

Жыл бұрын

Glad it helped

@scottmichael3745

Жыл бұрын

I agree! I'm an automotive mechanic so the "logic" and breakdown really help my wrap my brain around it. Greatly appreciated!

I service around 200 outboards a year. Salt is the enemy of marine engines & "need" servicing to clean the salt out of the thermostat cooling chambers. We only service around 2 or 3 purely fresh water engines & the difference in the engine condition is staggering. The biggest customer mistake is thinking that if they rarely use the boat the better it will be, but the opposite is more true. Use it often to keep the water moving. Whatever you do, don't EVER leave a cover on the engine. This causes sweating & massive damage.

Thanks for sharing.

Years of inshore saltwater fishing..... DOGGING out my 9.9 Mercury 2001 I bought in 2015..... NEVER flushed it. I changed the impeller in 2018.... looked brand new. Never gonna change it again. Still on the water 2-3 times a week. Still never flush it.

How many takes? Your video skills have improved quite a bit. Good stuff, thanks

salt water very hot country suzuki 250x2 i flush 10 min by the flushing port at every sorties but it's not enought (have to open the engine to see the build up pretty badly) now every 300H (major servicing) before changing the anode and impeller we run bernacle buster in cycle for 2H inside the engine we hope to keep good cleaning that way

Thank You!!!

Man these videos are awesome

Ears on my 2021 Mercury 30hp for 4-5 minutes after saltwater use. Done with no problems.

Note new 4 stroke Yamaha's have a fuel cooling circuit. If you don't keep the salt out of it especially silt from running in dirty water it will block it up & your motor will not idle for long when it is hot.

With all being said I put sealer on my new outboards flush access plug and stick with the Drum I’ve used for 50 years, I also fabricated a bag to use at the dock ,Slip it over the lower unit up the housing fill with water.Neve failed me yet.No guessing!

It’s my understanding that on Verados the flush attachment pushes water through internal ports of the block in the opposite direction to that which the impeller pushes it. Wouldn’t running the engine using the flush attachment create a “stalemate” for water flow, even though the engine does over heat? The second thought is that during normal operation there are internal ports that go from a larger diameter to a small diameter (often where blockages occur). Creating good “reverse” flow volume using the flush port, without the engine running, helps clear these small transitions by pushing flow from the smaller diameter to the larger diameter. Not sure if any of this is accurate; just what’s published on the. Verado Owner’s site (before it closed down). Your thoughts?

@scottmichael3745

Жыл бұрын

Really wished he would have answered your question too.. :-(

I would add: use water softener in areas with very hard water. I flush religiously and before my softener, the engines looked like I never flushed. Added the softener and it makes HUGE difference

@OrcaAngler

Жыл бұрын

u mean laundry softener?

@andrewbeltran4003

Жыл бұрын

@@OrcaAngler no there are magnetic, electronic conditioners or softeners like Spot On

@OrcaAngler

Жыл бұрын

@@andrewbeltran4003 i see thanks buddy

All I can say to fellow traveling boaters is that you please courtesy flush…thanks in advance :)

My boat spends a ton of time in lakes as well as tons of time in salt. In the lake it doesn't even cross my mind. When it goes in salt it gets flushed via ear muffs with salt away adaptor idling until it warms up, unless it getting put in the lake within 12-24 hours then I don't flush it.

Good information 👍 .

Salt away used after every single use. I only use it two or three times a month in salt water. Not retired yet!!

Great Video Aaron. I have a 2021 Yamaha SHO 200hp 20" Shaft. I use my boat about 1-3 times a week in S.W Florida. Mostly Brackish water. (Charlotte Harbor) My boat lives on a boat lift, I flush it very time I get back within 10 Minutes. I use the flush attachment on the engine. My Question is how long should I run the engine for? Something else, when I start the water flush I see that water is coming out of all the port on the lower unit, including the water pump intake vents, as soon as I start the enging the water that was coming out of the intake vents stops! Just want to make sure that the impeller is getting enough water. Thanks

@ct1762

Жыл бұрын

it takes 3 gallons of water or so to fill that block, so about 1 full minute and its fine

Do you end the flush with salt away? When the soap shows up after we hook up the salt away we shut the engines down and the engines appear to perform much better. We also put a light flush of salt away on the reels after rinsing and the guy who services them has commented on how clean they are.

I learned with my merc to replace the whole pump. She was beeping over heating if you drove a fast troll

I've always use the ears and made sure the water came out before the flush my Drumming with a 240 Volvo and my 9.5 Evenrude never had any problems and always at idle

Another excellent video!

@BornAgainBoating

Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Cheers!

Used flush away for a few years, built up around tstats

I have burned 1 impeller on flushing device 2003 mer sw 150 efi 2 stroke and then asked my marina to do a compression check. After that compression check prior not using the boat in a year, burned the impeller. I dont run my engine on flush device anymore only barrels.

I bought a “flush bag” that straps to the engine and the lower unit is totally submerged in water, works pretty good.

@jejoko

Жыл бұрын

Yes flush bags a great!

@noahjohns7954

Жыл бұрын

Yep my grandpa made one out of doubled up boat cover and waterproof seams sewn and a hose fitting and it works super well just takes forever to fill

Aaron have u ever tested or done comparisons on products such as salt away?

Ive found some yamaha 150's throw an alarm on the muffs. We need a bigger dunk tank.

I fish the Indian river, which is, for all practical purposes, salt water. About every three or four months, I submerge my Yamaha 50 horse 2 stroke in a 100 gallon tub and add about 6 gallons of white vinegar, and several good squirts of Dawn detergent. I let it run at about 1000 to 1500 RPMs for about 20 minutes, flushing again with regular fresh water for about 5 mins. afterwards. It seems to remove all of the salt and mineral deposits in my water jackets and thermostat housing. What do you think of my method of cleaning the cooling system on my outboard??? Just wanting to do the best thing for my engine to keep her running well.

@ct1762

Жыл бұрын

vinegar is acidic, ad will eventually damage the brass water tube and parts of the cooling system if you just let it sit in there. what does your manual say>? never seen a single manual from any manufacturer recommend acetic acid as a safe cleaning agent.

Can’t run a Honda 150 on the flush port will overheat in just a min or 2. Learned from experience. Didn’t burn impeller but did get an overheat alarm.

@shawnmoore9714

Жыл бұрын

Same here with my hondas. I tried flushing with engine running even the the manuel says not to and tripped the overheat alarm.

HI. As always, i love your videos. I have a 2013, 150 HP Yamaha and i have been flushing the engine with earmuffs; however, i am now curious if i should be using an additional one for that other area in the lower unit? Thanks.

@NeverEnoughPyro40

Жыл бұрын

No just make sure that your muffs are covering your intake ports completely!

Sweet!. I’ve got a pair of L4 175 Verados on my cat. I’ve been wondering what would be the best way to flush em after every trip, your input has been appreciated!.

Do you have any videos or can you make one on changing hydraulic hoses on an auto pilot

Love your videos

well done fun to see it is my job

The flush attachment was invented for california emissions. So you didnt have to run the motor. I always flush with saltaway on ear muffs. It makes a huge difference

Thanks for this video 📹

@BornAgainBoating

Жыл бұрын

Most welcome 😊

Excellent explanation man. Thank you ✌️🗽🇺🇲🦅