Minimising Engine corrosion?

Question

I'm looking for a solution to to increase the life of my engines. It's a twin engine Volvo penta 4.3l 32ft boat which is permanently in the water. It's cooled using a raw water pump - sea water. I have read about Volvo's Neutra salt - does it really work and seems ongoing costs are high.

I have a high pressure wash down pump and 280Litres of fresh water available. The volvo's have a flushing inlet hose. If I did connect the pump with the engines running at idle how much water would I have to pump through to make any difference. Or is there a better way.

The boat is on a swing mooring so no access to a normal water supply after the days end.

Answer 1

Check into a Fresh Water Kit for your engine.  It might cost $2,000 per engine, but it is well worth it.  You will doulble the life of the engines.  I prefer a closed system.  You can install them yourself.  Don't do it if the engines are more than a couple of years old.  Do it if they are new as quick as possible.  Good Luck.  try Westmarine.com or go to Volvo Penta's website.

Answer 2

A fresh water cooling system (antifreeze system that is cooled by the outside water) for the engines.  Running in salt water (ocean) is even more important than in fresh water (Lakes and Rivers).

The next issue is zincs, they are on the out drive, hull, prop shaft and all over the engine's cooling system.  They take the naturally created electric currents in the water that eat the different metals, and direct the damage to the zinc's that are replaceable for that reason.

Doing the normal oil changes, tuneups and other related maintenance is going to extend the life of the engine also.

Enjoy the boat!