How to Flush Salt from an Outboard Jet?

[VanDaddy]

I have a 16' aluminum boat with a Mercury 20 Jet OB. I have had it out a few times on the NFL and Yale. I'm thinking I might like to go crabbing in bays or trolling in tidewater.

On OB props, I've seen those garden hose clamps with rubber cups that you attach to your OB intake allowing you to rinse.

On my OB jet, my intake is on the bottom and is 7" x 8". I have not seen a garden hose setups for this application. I have thought of going to a feed and seed store to buy one of those galvinized tubs. But I would have to carry that around and put blocks under it to raise it up to my intake as it sits on the trailer.

Has anyone solved this problem? Any ideas?

I much apprieciate your help.

http://img316.imageshack.us/img316/5996/objet1yd.jpg

[Keta]

When I run my pump in brackish water I stop at a freshwater boat launch on the way home and run it for a few minutes. Back into the water, start it up, disconect the fuel line and run until it runs out of fuel.

[Rod Holder]

plastic garbage can works good

[TyBoo]

When I run my pump in brackish water I stop at a freshwater boat launch on the way home and run it for a few minutes. Back into the water, start it up, disconect the fuel line and run until it runs out of fuel.



This is more a question than an admonishment because I am not sure, but isn't that unlawful? Something about contaminating the water with alien crud from another waterway?

That has been my understanding, anyhow. When I had a smaller boat, I would take it to Cullaby Lake after putting it on the trailer, launch it there, and run around for a while. But that was really kind of silly, because I moor in Warrenton and the Skipanon comes from that lake. But whoever told me the first story said that was OK to do.

I don't know where I heard about this, but I remember for sure someone telling me, and that the fine could be mighty hefty.

I really should have stayed out of this discussion, because I can't help the gentleman with his original question. Other than saying that Mr. Fisherman is mighty proud of the Flushing Bag (http://www.burgees.com/FlushingBag/Default.htm) he bought for Sea Lion.

[nobrownline]

I agree with Keta and thats what I do. Legal as far as I know never heard otherwise.

[QwikSticks]

Its hard to see in your picture, but my jet has a screw that I take out and screw in a flush adapter. i believe its for hondas but works on the jet. The screw should be located right behind your rubber greas hose that fits over the zirk you use to grease the pump. Works just fine for flushing salt out of the motor and you just need to follow up with rinsing out the pump with you hose.

[dogwood]

Qwiksticks is correct. There should be a fitting that you can buy an adapter for. The best thing for your pump, though, is to back it into fresh water and start it up. This way you can rinse off the entire lower unit. My Yamaha has a fitting built in that hooks up to a garden hose. I use this alot, but when I replaced my impeller, it was corroded on and had to be heated up to get unstuck. If you can't back it into the river, then use a fitting - otherwise back it into the river when ever possible. - Craig

[QwikSticks]

Corrosion sucks - I am ussually tired after fishing salt so all it gets is the hose, but i do pull my pump every year around the time I start running my driftboat and pull every bolt before they have a chance to freeze from corrosion - re-lube with never seaze and gasket sealer and then put it all back together. I also can then take the time to sharpen imellors, straighten grates, inspect water pump. Takes about day to go through everything and its very easy to do. Nothing down there your going to mess up since the pump is pretty simple.

[DriftR]

I used a spun plastic tub you get at feed stores to water livestock. It has a side drain also. I would lower my pump unit into it fill it with water then add 2 ounces of Salt-X concentrate to it per gallon of water. Always worked for me.