Flushing Alpha one Gen 2 - Maxum Boat Owners Club

Sandrager · 04-10-2018, 10:05 PM

Hi Guys ,
Getting ready to flush this weekend for first time. Getting mercruser kit 44357T-2. I have read some drives have ports on front that need to be plugged. Is this the case for mine ?

Thanks
Sand

mmwjr · 04-10-2018, 10:53 PM

No Mercruiser’s don’t require plugging any ports.

jrsick · 04-10-2018, 11:58 PM

The less expensive set of muffs from Walmart will work just as well.

Sandrager · 04-11-2018, 05:02 PM

Hi All ,
Thanks for the replies. First time doing this and concerned about the possibility of overheating the first time. I have read is best for drive to be down as far as possible. Prop does not need to be off does it ? just is safer I believe.

Thanks
Sand

jrsick · 04-11-2018, 06:26 PM

I trailer my boat and flush as soon as I pull it out of the water. I keep the outdrive in trailer position with no issues. Be sure to use low water pressure during the flush.
Don't worry about overheating, just keep your eye on the temp gauge. You'll feel the engine smooth out as the thermostat opens at 180 degrees. Shut motor off if temp continues to climb past 180.

donald · 04-11-2018, 07:10 PM

Do not keep the outdrive in the trailer position!
Lower it as far as you can and keep the prop off the ground.
If left in the trailer position it is hard on the u joints.
Don

shrew · 04-11-2018, 07:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandrager

Hi All ,
Thanks for the replies. First time doing this and concerned about the possibility of overheating the first time. I have read is best for drive to be down as far as possible. Prop does not need to be off does it ? just is safer I believe.

Thanks
Sand

Drive down

Prop does not need to be off, but don't put it in gear either.

Start water flow before you start engine.

Stop engine before you stop water flow.

Don't let water run too long when the engine is off

Sandrager · 04-11-2018, 07:25 PM

hey Guys thanks much are all the replies !!! helps much

Once engine turns over will the water come out exhaust immediately or the thermostat has to open first ?

Just wanting to know what to look for and when ?

jrsick · 04-12-2018, 12:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donald

Do not keep the outdrive in the trailer position!
Lower it as far as you can and keep the prop off the ground.
If left in the trailer position it is hard on the u joints.
Don

Thanks for the info Don, I had not considered the angle of the u joints.
This is my first season with a new to me boat with 60 hours on it, I will be kinder to it when flushing.

mmwjr · 04-12-2018, 02:17 AM

I agree with Don the universals are not designed to run at that angle. Also if you use the slip on muff less chance of them slipping off.

Once you start the engine check for water flow at the transom water ports near the forward attachment point for the trim rams.

Sandrager · 04-12-2018, 12:11 PM

Thanks guys for all the help let you know how it goes this weekend

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Sandrager · 04-26-2018, 08:12 PM

Hey Guys well , been pretty crappy weather around here lately. So today is finally nice, picking some beer up on way home and going to do flush.

I read instruction with the the flushing kit and says to use full pressure for water but have seen many people say only to use half ? Little help can you explain ?

Thanks much for all your help, very grateful. I'm nervous since it is my first time

mmwjr · 04-26-2018, 10:17 PM

It depends on the water pressure at your house, are you on well or city water? If well I would go full on and if on city 1/2 - 3/4 on.

Sandrager · 04-26-2018, 10:23 PM

Thanks much Mike , so what happens if is on full pressure ? or anotehr way to put it what happens when there is too much pressure ?

Only thing I can think of is instead of impeller pulling it in, pressure is forcing it in which if there was a impellar problem then you wouldn't know until you are at the lake.

Is that all or can blow gaskets too ?

mmwjr · 04-27-2018, 02:49 AM

The issue is the impeller is designed to suck water and to much pressure can damage its vanes. IMO this is a low probability.

Sandrager · 04-27-2018, 04:26 AM

Thanks Mike was just curious.

FYI - flushing was successful tonight. Couldn't get it to full temp 175 was taking forever, was about 160 for 20-25 munutes revd the engine a little. Figured lots of water and not overeating engine sounded good could put my hands on houses were warm but not hot and same temp both sides, upper ones were cold so don't think I got thermostat open. Went in hear etc no problem

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mmwjr · 04-27-2018, 12:42 PM

Well or city water tends to be colder that the water we boat in therefore the engine will run colder. Also the engine is not under load. If the gauge read 160 the t-stat was open, the exhaust components get a mix of water that has gone through the engine and fresh water from the t-stat house.

Glad you were successful.