Salt build up on powerhead

I have a 2008 175 Mercury Opti, and most times I use the boat I take the cowl off only to see salt build up on the powerhead. I have since bought a cover for my outboard which seems to improve the problem but doesn't entirely fix it. It would be great to hear from anybody that has experienced the same problem and how they have overcome it. I am not convinced whether the salt is coming from outside or internally. Any info would be most appreciated as it is a bit disheartening to see a newish outboard cop that sort of treatment.


wide open's picture

Posts: 444

Date Joined: 24/12/09

we have same troble

Wed, 2010-01-13 17:02

we have the same trouble on our 08 60hp 4s mercury, spraying the engine down with water dispersant like inox helps, but have come to a conclusion that mercury just are not built and designed as well as say a honda, when i push on the cowling in moves sideways back and forth, honda and yamaha stay put like its welded on

STEVE231's picture

Posts: 1443

Date Joined: 05/01/10

Salt build up

Wed, 2010-01-13 17:19

I previously owned another boat with a 115 Opti and I never had a problem, now after every time I use the boat, I take the cowl off and spray the powerhead with warm water from a spray bottle, then give it a dose of Inox. You would have to think over a period of time something will fail and hopefully it won't when I'm 40 odd km's offshore. Calling sea rescue to come and get me would rank fairly highly to one of my worst nightmares. 

big john's picture

Posts: 8749

Date Joined: 20/07/06

Cover

Wed, 2010-01-13 17:38

Can't help you with the loose cover but mercury do make a product that you can spray the powerhead with that puts a seal over the whole powerhead. Between that and the inox treatment you might be okay.

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Frank F's picture

Posts: 481

Date Joined: 17/03/09

suzukis

Wed, 2010-01-13 19:35

I have the same problem mainly on the port side motor on the cat. the water really rolls right next to the air intake vent when going slow. After every outing I take the cowling off and give it a quick hose off with low pressure on the block trying not to get it on the electrical. I then allow it to dry before a light spray of WD40.

STEVE231's picture

Posts: 1443

Date Joined: 05/01/10

Frank, I was told by a

Wed, 2010-01-13 19:50

Frank, I was told by a marine mechanic that twin rigs are notorious for this problem, and sometimes can be sorted just by purchasing outboard covers. I don't know whether you have tried this option, but it obviously hasn't worked in my case.

Blank Cheque's picture

Posts: 221

Date Joined: 28/03/09

Hey guys have you ever thought of it like this

Thu, 2010-01-14 07:38

I run two same as frank.  The motors bring in the air from the far end of the cover. It then passes over the motor and down into the carby. If it did not get caught on the powerheads it would be sucked down into the motor as fine mist.

My motors are 2001 and never missed a beet. Hose down every trip or so and spray with inox or something simlar.

The cowl on mine has adjustments on the front lock down take a look yours may have as well to help with a tight fit

Garry

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