---

Hi: As part of my learning curve on proper maintenance I just had my gear oil and water pump replaced on my 98 115HP V4 2 stroke Yamaha . We boat in saltwater. The mechanic told me that when I do the fresh water flush I should run the engine on the earmuffs for 10-15 minutes to do a proper flush.
Do you guys run it that long?
I think my neighbours would kick me out of the neighborhood for making that much noise

---

When I lived in the Florida Keys and ran my boat in salt water, I ran it about 5-8 minutes max and have never had a problem as a result of that. I made sure the entire engine was thoroughly rinsed with fresh water too.

---

I run about five minutes or alittle more. I like to rinse the outside before I run it because I don't want to risk getting water on a hot block.

---

For winter layover, I run for at least half an hour.

---

About 5+ minutes at the dock, some people use a product called "Salt away" that hook's up between the garden hose and muff's for an extra cleaning. If you run in "salt water" you should "Flush" out EVERY time you use the motor, and rinse it down well.
Grease all fitting's at least once every 2 weeks
2 on the tilt tube
2 on the pivot tube

---

My goal when I flush is to make sure that there's no salt water in the engine. I run for 5 or so minutes and then "taste" the water to make sure it's fresh.

---

I taste it too, glad I'm not the only one, you can also smell the chlorine in it from the garden hose.

---

If I'm going to be using the boat once or twice a week, I do nothing. I think the salt water keeps the passages open on it's own. Seems like problems only develop after long layovers. Maybe I have just had good luck, but no problems for many years. Saltwater seems to remove salt residue easier than fresh, but over time, if not flushed with fresh, the corrosion begins.

---

I flush using the hose attachment for ~15 minutes while the engine is still warm (live 1 mile from the ramp). During this time I put everything away, pull the deck plates (Outrage with internal fuel tank) and put on the tarp cover. Then I rinse the hull and trailer.

I don't use any products for flushing.

---

I try to do it immediatly while everything is still wet. I try to never let salt water dry internally. I run it for approx 5 min and taste it. If it tastes like garden hose your fine. Like the others said rinse and lube. I lube once a month but spray the motor and everything around the bottom of the cowling with corrosion block then wipe off every other trip. No corrosion problems.

---

Wow! I thought I was the only one who tasted the water coming out of the motor!!!! I too rinse for at least five minutes as soon as I return home from the salt water. I also use soapy water and a stiff bristled brush and scrub as much of the motor as I can reach with the brush. After it is dry I spray a little lube on the tilt/trim pistons since I only get out once a week. I also grease the steering arm to the motor once a month and turn the motor so that the shaft is not exposed, but inside the sleeve. I hope that helps. And taste the water.
Marty Durham

---

Thanks for your replies. Very informative.
I notice when running on the muffs that the water stream is about 75% of what it is when I'm running in the ocean. Is that normal?
The last 2 times I've done this out of the water, the engine backfired once when it started. Is that normal?

---

When running on muffs there is not back pressure for the exhaust so the engine does not run exactly like it does in water.

Most repair stations run the engines in a water tank and not on muffs when they are working on the engine.

---

i'm with keyrat on this, i run mine till i can no longer "taste" saltwater coming from the engine.

---

I think the point is to get the engine temperature high enough to open the thermostat(s) and clear the powerhead of salt water. 5-8 minutes should be fine.

---

I have a 225 Saltwater series 2 stroke and when the boat is in the water which is a few montha I just run fresh water thru the attachment for the hose for 5-10 mins each time I use the engine . I also wash off any salt water on the out side . I flush the engine with the engine off . Iam I doing any good ? Oh Boy!!! Now Iam wondering ????

---

I have found if you put a wet towel over the prop when running on the muffs that the exhaust note is not so sharp, and it increases back pressure somewhat.

---

I have a 2005 Johnson 4 stroke. I ususally use a splitter at the hose bib and run one hose to flush the motor and one to wash down the boat. i unload the boat, start washing down and after about 6-10 minutes shut the motor down.
I also saw a boating show that said to extend the steering cable shaft out of the sleeve to leave a majority exposed in case it freezes up, there's less shaft in the sleeve and its easier to work free. Until then I used to use the shaft in the sleeve. Which is better?

---

K-bay, If you keep the steering shaft lubed then it freezing in the tube shouldn't be an issue.

---

Put a "Steersman" nut ($20 marine store) on the end of the cable and keep it well lubed, then it does'nt matter if the shaft is "IN or "OUT".

---

rbritdu,

The newer engines have this feature which is very nice as you don't have to run the engine to flush it.

You are doing this correct.

I wish the older engines had this feature.

---

+1 to that, I do the taste test and it is gone after about 5 minutes.

Seems a lot of us taste the water; wonder why everyone at the ramp stares at me when I do it?

---

Thank you ,Joe K .

Least I know Iam doing that correct ! I will have to taste the water next time !!!