How Do You Flush a Boat Motor?

Flushing a boat motor is an important maintenance task that helps remove salt, sand, and other debris from the engine’s cooling system. Here are the steps to flush a boat motor:

1. Check the motor: Ensure the motor is turned off, and the boat is out of the water. This will help prevent any accidents or injuries.
2. Locate the flushing port: Locate the flushing port on the motor. This is usually located near the water intake on the lower unit of the motor.
3. Attach the hose: Attach a garden hose to the flushing port using a suitable adapter. Ensure the hose is secure and tightly attached.
4. Turn on the water: Turn on the water supply and allow it to run for a few seconds to clear any debris in the hose.
5. Start the motor: Start the motor and let it run for 5-10 minutes. Ensure the motor is in neutral and the throttle is at idle speed.
6. Monitor the water flow: Monitor the water flow from the motor’s telltale or pee hole. This will indicate if the water is flowing correctly through the motor’s cooling system.
7. Turn off the motor: After running the motor for 5-10 minutes, turn off the motor and the water supply.
8. Disconnect the hose: Disconnect the garden hose from the flushing port and stow it away.

Remember to flush your boat motor regularly, especially after use in saltwater or sandy areas. This can help extend the life of your motor and prevent damage to the cooling system.