Washing outboard while away

Sol · 23 June 2013, 15:55

Just a thought but I'm looking to go camping and taking the sib with me. My question is how do others wash there engines out after a day on the sea.
Barring taking a large bucket or trying to find a hose pipe on a camp site I wondered if I could get away with out washing it out as it will be used for the three or four days I'm away.

HUMBER P4VWL · 23 June 2013, 16:00

Really doesn't matter if left for a bit. Our engines have been on the sea on mooring for a season each year for The last 3 decades and only washed through each September. Never had a problem.

Ian_st · 23 June 2013, 16:01

Lots of slips have a hose facility, maybe a ca of where to launch

Tim M · 23 June 2013, 16:08

Obviously its nice to flush your engine, however, outboards are designed to run in salt water. As has already been said, loads (maybe even the majority) of engines live on boats which rarely get taken out of the water and never get flushed. I really wouldn't worry - just give it a flush when you get home.

Sol · 23 June 2013, 16:16

Many thanks for the replies it has put my mind at rest.

frankc · 23 June 2013, 16:35

When you get to a place you can flush your engine, flush it for an extended time until it is good and warm..

I have cleaned the water passages from engines during rebuilds, and it is unreal how salt and minerals can build up. Just flush as much as you can and don't get too upset if you have to put off flushing for a time when it is not possible to flush.

Sol · 23 June 2013, 16:44

Thanks once again

m chappelow · 23 June 2013, 18:57

If your worried about it you could always flush it using a large waterproof bag such as a dry bag or old canvas kit bag
Just remove the prop
hang it from the engine or transom
fill with water so its over the cav plate and run it for a few moments .

woz72 · 23 June 2013, 19:40

I use a short piece of hose and a funnel a pour a gallon of water through then flush properly when I get home...don't want any mineral build up in the water passages..

Adamn · 23 June 2013, 20:56

Just a point to ask whilst talking about flushing. I have a yam with the hose that connects direct into the water system. I don't run the engine whilst the hose is on as the water flushes through all the areas but should I?

jyasaki · 24 June 2013, 15:44

Adam: Nope. Yam states in the oeners manual that the hose connection is for engine off flushing. If you want to run the motor to flush it, use a hose on muffs, or run it in fresh water (barrel, lake, whatever.)

jky