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Old 27 March 2012, 11:25   #1
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Is engine flushing really required

lots of folks take lots of time to flush out their engines after use in the sea but there must me an equal amount that do not or cannot as many boats are kept in the water. So is it really necessary, I am not aware of any warranty void if not flushed so it seems the manufacturers are'nt bothered even with 5 year warranties now widely available. I've had small old 2 strokes steaming through lack of flow but they've been abused for 25 years , do modern engines manage the process better or are they not built to last like the old Yamms of the 70's !
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Old 27 March 2012, 12:36   #2
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Old 27 March 2012, 12:42   #3
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That topic is up there with "twin or single engine" and "what's the best rib?".

I will now stand back & watch the war of words evolve.......
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Old 27 March 2012, 13:59   #4
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I change my anodes and flush through once a season. So far so good.....
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Old 27 March 2012, 14:25   #5
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once every few months for me...
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Old 27 March 2012, 16:31   #6
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has anyone ever stripped down a newish motor thats not been flushed regularly and found significant unshiftable salt ?
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Old 27 March 2012, 19:39   #7
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Yes without a doubt, More so on four stroke engines!!. I could show you all sorts of photos from engines that have not been flushed every now and then.
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Old 27 March 2012, 20:04   #8
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has anyone ever stripped down a newish motor thats not been flushed regularly and found significant unshiftable salt ?
Hey that salt's required to plug the holes corroded in the oil pan and block!
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Old 27 March 2012, 20:27   #9
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My Opti only gets flushed a couple of times a season as the boat now lives afloat over the summer. I make a point of having the thermostats taken out at each annual service and often there is a build up of salt in there.
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Old 27 March 2012, 20:37   #10
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Yes without a doubt, More so on four stroke engines!!. I could show you all sorts of photos from engines that have not been flushed every now and then.
Yea I fully agree with every now and then, Plus I think it depends on the water conditions your running in, If you switch off say after a slow steam up a particually silty/muddy river, Then its probably best you flush more regular, If however your pulling in to a clean beach from deep water then every couple of month should do the job,
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Old 27 March 2012, 20:39   #11
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Remember this? http://www.rib.net/forum/f36/honda-1...was-43315.html

I normally remove the thermostat on my own outboard once a year to check. You can guarantee there will be salt build up in the cooling passages, and this is on an outboard that's flushed after every trip. For those that can't flush until the end of the season, then the very least they should do is check the sacrificial anodes are doing their job and replace when necessary. Also read about outboards that have developed corrosion due to accelerated electrolysis, possibly due to poor grounds on electrical devices, etc.
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Old 27 March 2012, 21:29   #12
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If you have a new engine with a 5 year warranty, you would assume that the dealers test tank would be a fresh water one. So as long as you are getting it serviced I would say you don't need to flush it out yourself.
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Old 27 March 2012, 21:57   #13
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I flush every time I go
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Old 27 March 2012, 22:00   #14
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I flush every time I go
and at your age that'll be every hour
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Old 27 March 2012, 22:02   #15
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and at your age that'll be every hour
Make that 20 mins
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Old 27 March 2012, 22:28   #16
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I flush every time I go
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Old 28 March 2012, 06:10   #17
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So if I can't flush regularly how long should I flush for when I have the chance ?
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Old 28 March 2012, 08:03   #18
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About once every month or once every two or three trips out
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Old 28 March 2012, 08:13   #19
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I think that seeing as you raised the question, you should be a "guinea pig" for all of us. Don't ever flish the engine and then report back regularly and let us know if you have any problems. That way, if anyone asks this question again we can point them directly to you!!!!
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Old 28 March 2012, 08:29   #20
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Yes without a doubt, More so on four stroke engines!!. I could show you all sorts of photos from engines that have not been flushed every now and then.
Turbodiesel,

Do the 4 strokes have higher temp thermostats to allow higher running temps and better emissions?

Salt should only precipate out at about 65C or above.

Most two strokes run pretty cool when running at any speed with the thermostats only coming into play when running slowly to allow smooth idle on a 2 strike I believe.
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