Fresh Water Rinse

J

JamesC28

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 27, 2020
Messages
58
Fluid Motion Model
R-21 EC
Hull Identification Number
FMLC2810G213
Vessel Name
Mystic Blue
How often do people perform a freshwater wrench on your engine, generator, and air conditioner?
 
Have a C28 without generator and A/C; however, I perform a fresh water rinse of the engine after every trip.

Gary
 
Cessna172":2tbyniby said:
Have a C28 without generator and A/C; however, I perform a fresh water rinse of the engine after every trip.

Gary
Click to expand...


Gary what is your method of flushing the engine? Do you have a flush port?
 
Hi Brian,

I do not have a flushing port. That would make it too easy : /

So, I remove the strainer cap, pull out the strainer, shut the intake valve,and stuff in a hose. Start the engine and let it run on idle for 5 or so minutes, then place the throttle in "throttle only" and raise the RPM's to around 1200 for another minute.

You must be sure that water is always at he top or overflowing the strainer can. First Mate stationed at the water valve adjusts water flow as commanded by the Captain minimizes water in the bilge; but maximizes chances for mutiny...

Gary
 
I keep my boat in heated dry storage so it is pulled upon return of all trips. I added a fresh water port and flush the engine after every trip. Below shows where I added the port on the stern of my R29.

Click on image.
I first check the strainer and if there is any grass I remove that first. I turn on the water and open the valve 1/2 way then start the engine and open it full otherwise it will blow the lid off the strainer.
 
I use the tried and true Karl’s 5 gallon bucket fresh water flush (K5GBFWF as I call it) after each outing. It’s an easy one person method Using a 5 gallon bucket that prevents over pressurizing the engine hoses and allows you to throttle up as much as you need provided you keep the bucket full of water.
 
Thank you for the response. I installed a flush port at the strainer in preparation for salt water use. I have used it a few times but I have been cautious about the spigot water pressure. The pump seals are not designed to have more than a few psi of pressure applied to them. I believe once the engine is running the pressure at the raw water pump will drop because the spigot will not be able to keep up with the demands of the pump. It is the timing of turning the spigot on and starting the engine. I installed a ball valve at the stainer for the dock water supply it is within 8" of the raw water thru hull ball valve. I thought that I would start the engine with the raw water valve open and then open the dock hose valve once the dock valve is open close the sea water valve. At the end of the flush timing the engine off and the fresh water off would be important. It may not be that critical. I have used the flush to run the engine on the trailer but I have always kept the strainer lid loose when I shut the engine off the fresh water over flows into the bilge. I have been flushing 1/2 Gary's method and 1/2 Karll method. I have thought about Capt'nKarl method but a five gallon bucket takes up to much room with all the other things I have on board.

 
Capt-n-Karl's method is the safest! While you might not have any problems it's just a matter of time of a possible hydro-lock on the engine. There have been numerous posts about towing with the sea- valve open and hydro-locking the engine. Why take a chance? Any time you put pressure on the water intake with out the engine running your asking for trouble. Just my two cents! Bob
 
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