info on flushing out engine

[Fishygone]

Hi Lads
had loads of bother with my Perkins 4108 overheating, so took of water exchanger and flushed it out, same with header tank ( fresh water ) then thought had wasted enough time on it and changed the cooling system to Raw Water cooled. Went out Sunday and gave the engine a good blast and never had a bit of bother. Anyway what I need to know is what will I flush the engine out with to remove any sea water for the winter.

Thanks

john

[Kev1n]

I’ve never winterised my engine as I use it summer and winter. Being on a marina berth with electric means I can plug a small greenhouse heater in to keep the engine frost free. The water is usually warm enough to keep the temperature of the boat slightly above freezing.

If you’re on a mooring without electric heating to protect the engine, I’ve read of people flushing antifreeze through the raw water side of their engines. The same people usually advise removing the air filter and cover up the intake and exhaust to prevent condensation causing corrosion. Loosen any drive belts and remove the impeller. You’ll need to keep the batteries charged up too, to prolong their life.

[alcaucin]

Found this which may be of some use for you.


"Best procedure is therefore to drain to get rid of most of the salt water, flush with fresh water, if possible running with a hose running into the bucket until the engine is warmed up, Drain again, then introduce the antifreeze, if possible recirculating it to ensure it is well distributed through the engine cooling system".
Read more at Winterising raw water cooled engines

[Fishygone]

flushing

Thanks lads for your help.

john.

[on the mark]

Thanks lads for your help.

john.

might be a good idea to keep some spare core plugs on board as one will eventually go, easy fix at sea or a sharpened bit of wood will be enough to plug and get you back to your berth.