Mercury Optimax 115 Flush Hose Never Worked

Rubens · 02 December 2007, 15:25

Have anyone of you experienced the same problem?

My new Optimax 115‘s flush hose never worked. It seems that the flush hose is not allowing water pass to the engine cooling system.

Engine is just 3 hours.

I tried connecting this hose with other normal tap water with good pressure, the same ones I use to flush my other smaller engines (5 and 8hp Mercury) but is not working at all with this 115 hp engine.

The authorized Mercury’s Shop that installed the engine said it is like that. This sort of flush rose system needs a big water pressure to work. They recommended I should use that old style headphone like rubber water flushing devises..

ashbypower · 02 December 2007, 18:18

Hi We use the flush all the time it'e great. However you cannot use a normal connector, you must use the Mercury one, as there is a valve it the engine connector (other wise the water would pour out when running) that is opened by the hose mounted one.
Hope this helps

Rubens · 02 December 2007, 19:25

Dear Brian,

Thank you so much for the information.

As I understand, I should look with Mercury for a specific connector to fit on my, say, "land hose end" that would connect to the "motor's end hose" connector?

I apologise for the redundant question. Does your Opti has a flush hose that can either be kept inside the engine's cowling or routed to outside through an oppening that is close to the other controls (wiring and cables) access?

My Opti is fitted with this sort of hose that, its other end (inside cowling) is attached to what seems to be another valve that directs the fresh wather to the refrigeration system.

All the best,
Rubens

ashbypower · 02 December 2007, 19:51

Rubens, Yes my Opti has the "Motor hose" the same as yours ours is kept inside the engine cowl untill needed. If you look into this connector you will see a small "pip" in the centre when you push this in it opend the valve to allow in the cooling water from the "land end" hose.

Hope this is clear for you
Regards
If it helps I can post a picture of the "Land" Connector tomorrow.

Rubens · 02 December 2007, 20:19

Dear Brian,
It’s very clear. I’m not in front of it, but by your description it stayed clear I need a connector for that seemingly common hose end.
I was tempted to send a scanned image of Opti’s operators manual, but, in our days, I would be breaking some copyrighting stuff or something like that.
Thank you so much again. I see you have a Powerboat School. That should be a fun way to live!
I will visit your website and send you news.
Have a good evening for you all.
Rubens

ashbypower · 02 December 2007, 20:30

Rubens,
Yes a powerboat school is a great way of life, however today we have had force 10-11 winds here not RiB weather!! the part No IIRC is

858566A02 Google may help.

Regards

Rubens · 02 December 2007, 20:46

Dear Brian

Thank you again. I was so happy with your reply that I did not note you even offered sending an image of the "Land" connector..
Tomorrow I will try the part number above at Mercury.
I will tell you the end of the history or ask for the picture...
Rubens
PS: I just saw on TV the force 10/11 winds. I hope never having the "pleasure" to be introduced to them in person at sea with RIB...