Barnacle Buster

[rpmerrill]

I've seen a bunch of mentions about Barnacle Buster but I haven't seen how much of the stuff I'll need.
It's probably about time. Had it for 4 seasons.

I've got a 2012 R-27.
I'm thinking of flushing the engine, 4BY2 Yanmar, and maybe the A/C system?

 

[Martin610]

I just pickled my D4 with it. It's a 1 to 4 ratio. I used one gallon of buster, mix total of 5 gallons. Worked for me. I can run max RPMs and maintain temperature at 185.

 

[knotflying]

Barnacle buster is sold two ways, diluted and not diluted, so check your label before you do anything.

 

[rpmerrill]

And so what is the best way to install?

Into the seacock strainer with the engine running? (Like I install antifreeze for winterizing.)
Or there other locations where it can be introduced directly?

Just bought a gallon. Eager to try it out.

 

[Martin610]

I do it like antifreeze, into the strainer. I have the freshwater hose running. I then switch to diluted barnacle buster. I watch the buster run into the system and then shut off. I let it sit for a half hour or so, then flush with fresh water.

 

[rpmerrill]

I do it like antifreeze, into the strainer. I have the freshwater hose running. I then switch to diluted barnacle buster. I watch the buster run into the system and then shut off. I let it sit for a half hour or so, then flush with fresh water.

Not sure I understand your method. Can you explain a bit more.
Also, how much Buster does it take to fill the heat exchangers?

 

[knotflying]

I have done it with a more sophisticated method and only every 4 years. I circulate it through the system making a closed loop. I do it before I replace the impeller. I remove the old impeller and then replace the pulley housing without the impeller. This allows the fluid to pass freely. I posted the entire sequence a few years back. I would remove my engine zincs or replace them after the barnacle buster flush since I am sure they will be eaten up a bit after he bath. An easier method may be to drain the water from the system and remove the water discharge hose going to the exhaust elbow and pour the barnacle buster in slowly so air can escape. Reconnect the hose and let it sit for a few hours and then flush the system with fresh water via the strainer.

 

[Martin610]

I do it with one of the "winterizing kits" you see at West Marine or other marine supply stores. This is essentially a 5 gallon jug with a faucet and hose. It's capacity is about five gallons. One gallon of BB and 4 gallons of water. It will still have a light blue color.

Start motor with fresh water hose running fresh water into sea strainer and the sea cock in the closed position. Bilge pump will handle over flow. Transition to the BB fluid. It will drain out fairly quickly so this is best done with two people, one watching, one at the helm to turn off motor.

Once BB is in the system let the engine "pickle" for at least a half hour. Perhaps a bit longer if you think the build up is severe. Then start engine with fresh water hose running into sea strainer. Shut off motor, replace the sea strainer, open sea cock to test.

You will have a bubble of air in sea strainer that will be 'burped' when motor is run at speed.

Knotflying's method is more effective and precise but is more work.

My simple method was very helpful for me recently. I had picked up some eel grass (ugh) at the oil cooler. Once the oil cooler was clear I still over heated at the high end RPMs. Likely had some salt crystals build up. Pickled the engine with BB and voila, I'm good to red line.

FYI there are people who do this with vinegar or even diluted muriatic acid. I pay for the BB as its mixture can be controlled and I think its safer.

-martin