Do I need to have the engine running to flush a marine outboard engine?

Question

I have some evenrude e-tec's (40hp 2 stroke) and johnson (30hp 2 stroke) outboards that I want to flush for storage. Can I just run fresh water through the house intakes, or do I need to have the engine running to get a complete flush of the engine?

Answer 1

yes

Answer 2

well, it depends, if you have a built in flush system then you won't need to run the engine to "flush" it. if there is no built in flushing system, then you will need to use muffs which will cover your intakes on the lower portion of the foot. another alternative would be to fill a 13 gal. trash can with water and run your engine it it. to actually run your engine, the water intakes MUST be taking in water. if i knew what year model your engines were i could tell you if they are equipped with a flush system and if you would need any adapters.

Happy Boating!!!

Answer 3

2 choices...

Run it in a 5 gal bucket or pump hose water through it with flush cups(ear muffs).

done!

Answer 4

the engine needs to be running and should be run long enough for the thermostat(s) to open up. this will allow sufficient water flow to remove any contaminents to be "flushed away". even if you have a so called ON BOARD FLUSH SYSTEN OR PORT it is important to RUN the engine as there will be areas that the hose feed water will not reach! besides when the engine runs and warms up it will be easier for the water to flush away deposits. the thermostat itself is one of the most important internal parts to be flushed because if the thermostat sticks or becomes inoperative not only will your boating day be ruined, but engine damage will result!. the bottom line is if your taking the time and care to flush you engines why not do it the best way you can? or you might as well not do it at all

Answer 5

Use your earmuffs attached to a garden hose, but not full blast. Just a nice stream of water, you will be able to judge through the cooling system check outlet. The engine should be running to get a good thorough flush.

Answer 6

yes u should do it every time it goes out in salt water

Answer 7

have it running with a set of ";earmuffs"  covering the intake ports, then hood it up to a garden hose and let it idle in nuetral for a little while

Answer 8

If you can't get a set of "Ear Muffs" put the lower end of the engine in a large bucket of water (intakes covered in water) with a hose constantly adding water. A three minute flush should do it. Make sure you do not put it in gear!

Answer 9

Definitely with the engine running, it is the only way to clean the pump.  They make an adapter to put on the outboard engine to force the water into the pump and help the flushing.  In no way do you run the engines without them being in water one way or the other.  No water causes them to overheat  and cause damage to the engine.

Answer 10

Yeah mate . If the engine isn't running the impeller isn't pumping water through all the parts that need to be flushed.

Answer 11

Need to have the engine running with a jacket on the water inlet this will force the water onto the cooling system, you can just run the hose through the jacket but the deposits will stay and solidify.

Answer 12

do nothing it is ok