flushing and running a 90 HP Optimax after use on land
Submitted by dragrush on Sat, 2014-04-05 22:44
Hi ----- Just bought another boat with a 90 hp 2 stroke Optimax and I have been told a few ways I should flush or run the engine after I get back home.
I always used a set of muffs with my old boats but they did not have a special port fitted like the Optimax has.
Some people have told me to just use the flushing port and others have said just use the muffs. Can I use both ???
I want to check the engine is running ok before I cover the boat again and want to know what is best, proper or the safest way to flush and test run the engine after I return----any help would be appreciated.
dragrush
Auslobster
Posts: 1901
Date Joined: 03/05/08
Special port...
...my Etec (also a DI 2 stroke) has a flushing port just below the above-waterline exhaust but I just use the muffs...either/or, I suppose!
Paul H
Posts: 2104
Date Joined: 18/01/07
not sure about the optimax
not sure about the optimax but some boats including my yammy by using the port you are only flushing the block so muffs are best in that they flush the whole motor.
Also can't run mine when using the flushing port as no water is getting to the impellor
cheers
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Terry
Posts: 458
Date Joined: 04/12/05
Yes
I agree with you Paul on all points.
I have a 115 Optimax and flush it via muffs for around 5 mins. It takes a fair bit of water to remove all traces of salt.
Terry
Ian S
Posts: 71
Date Joined: 20/01/14
Also have a 115 Optimax
The dealer that fitted it for me recommended using muffs
Mr. Mercruiser
Posts: 6
Date Joined: 09/10/09
Flushing
The flushing port you refer to only flushes the power head, & is only designed to be used without the engine running.
Best way is to flush it on the muffs for min 5minutes when its hot - dont exceed 1200rpm on the hose !
When you get it home - run it again but shove some MACS flushing fluid through it - it will keep the impeller & seals etc. soft & smash the excess salt out. :)
Redchoppa
Posts: 102
Date Joined: 15/07/12
Nah.
115 opti manual says you can run it at idle when using the flush port. Have been doing it that way for ages, replaced impellor 30 hours ago (had 200 hrs on it) and it was in good nick. Saying that, I also use muffs every so often and also flush it in a bag with flush liquid when it's not going to be used for a while (heaven forbid).
ginod
Posts: 35
Date Joined: 14/05/13
go to your mercury dealer
go to your mercury dealer they have special ear muffs for merc engines seen one used on a friends cat with twin 115 mercs they actually pull apart in two halves and then feed through the pickup mesh, hard to explain until you see them but they seal really well.he got them from carlo at bluewater marine in bunbury
t bone
Posts: 351
Date Joined: 20/04/14
200 Optimax
Ive got a 200hp opti and i had the same question. MY dealer informed me the same as a few others have said. The flushport only looks after the block, using the muffs ensures the lot is flushed.
petermac
Posts: 2946
Date Joined: 03/03/10
yep same same
same with the yamys