How Important Is The Motor Flush?

[SkunkedAgain]

I'm toying with the prospect of a late-season fishing trip (Thanksgiving weekend) but don't want to leave my outdoor water spigot hooked up at my house that long. How important is it to hook up the hose to my motor (2009 Suzuki 90hp) to flush it out at the end of the season? I assume that I can just save that for the spring as long as I change my oils before putting it away for the winter.

[delcecchi]

Flush? I don't know why you would need to flush an outboard used in fresh water. Does the manual say to flush it?

[marine_man]

No need to flush it unless you're running in salt water or pretty gunky / silty water... then I might want to do it.

marine_man

[DTro]

No, you shouldn't have to flush it, but make sure you are putting some Sta- Bil in the tank so when you are ready to call it quits, you can just park it for the winter.

A lot of people use the "flushing" as a way to start the motor in the spring and fall in their driveway.

Unless of course you are fishing in saltwater in which case, yes it's good to flush fresh water through there.

[DTro]

Fast fingers beat me

[SkunkedAgain]

I'll have to read the manual again, but I thought it was a part of their recommended end-of-the-season maintenance, along with changing the oils, running a fuel stabilizer, etc.

Good to know it's not really necessary, but probably just a good thing to do. If I remember it's to clear out any obstructions that might have gotten past the screens.

[solbes]

I always flush mine (freshwater only) because it's included in the manual and the Yamaha hose attachment makes it easy. I only flush it for a few minutes while I'm busy getting oil, filter, and tools ready. I still use the muffs while I'm warming up engine prior to the oil change.

I just have to change the gear lube in the garage and my boat is all tucked away for a long winters nap.

[Myrt]

Hhhmmmmm,

I wonder where that late fishing trip may be??? SA, remember to post your results if you would, I will not be out there until that Sunday after, but I'm ready!!!