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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

General Sailing Forum

Salt Crystals in cooling system

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Dick Johnson
1st Mate

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USA
40 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/11/2003 : 17:48:02

My Yamaha 9.9 seems to have salt crystals in the cooling system. All the parts seem to be working except she will not "pee." I have tried flushing her with tap water and have removed the hoses and thermostate. They are are clean. Is there a solven that I can safely put down the thermostate to remove these salt crystals?
thejohnsons@coastalnet.com

Richard Johnson

Edited by - on

Dave B
Admiral

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Mali
863 Posts

Response Posted - 05/11/2003 : 21:12:31

Do you have evidence that the water pump is getting water to the thermostat and beyond? The best solvent for salt is fresh water.

Dave Bristle, 1985 C-25 #5032 "Passage" SR/FK/Dinette/Honda in SW CT

Edited by - Dave B on 05/11/2003 21:13:56

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Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 05/11/2003 : 21:43:16

Dick,

I've had a similar problem with my 9.9HP Yamaha. Twice it was insects living just inside the end of the piddle hose. Once it was a worn out water pump. By the way, these motors seem to have marginal water pumps. The one I replaced was only a year or two old, and looked quite good to my eye, but wouldn't prime without reving the motor much higher than is good for it when cold. After installing a $30 water pump kit, it primed OK at idle.

If you're sure the problem is salt build up, there is a product called "Salt-Away" Motor Flush Concentrate. There appear to be a couple of ways to get it into the cooling system. It can be purchased bundled with an applicator, which resembles one of those garden hose in-line concentrate dispensers, like for insecticide or liquid fertilizer. The other method would be to run the motor in a barrel, and pour this stuff in with the water. That way, maybe you could save and reuse the mixture.

Good luck, and let us know what works.

-- Leon Sisson

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Dave B
Admiral

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Mali
863 Posts

Response Posted - 05/11/2003 : 22:35:21

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
...there is a product called "Salt-Away" Motor Flush Concentrate. There appear to be a couple of ways to get it into the cooling system. It can be purchased bundled with an applicator, which resembles one of those garden hose in-line concentrate dispensers, like for insecticide or liquid fertilizer. The other method would be to run the motor in a barrel, and pour this stuff in with the water. That way, maybe you could save and reuse the mixture.
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>
I'm curious about the chemistry of that... Sounds a little like the special marine protectant that keeps salt from damaging plastic and glass. I just have to get into that industry! <img src=icon_smile_evil.gif border=0 align=middle>

Dave Bristle, 1985 C-25 #5032 "Passage" SR/FK/Dinette/Honda in SW CT

Edited by - on

redwards
Deckhand

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USA
13 Posts

Response Posted - 05/12/2003 : 11:55:21

Had the same problem with my Honda, started the motor with water hose attached then used compressed air to clear out debris/salt built up. Water discharged for about twenty minutes then clogged up again, used compressed air once more. Haven't had a problem since. Not sure how much salt water maintanence previous owner did but kind of have a feeling now flushing out the system wasn't a priotity after every sail.
The Honda hose hook up is almost impossible to do hanging out over the stern so I bought a deep trash barrel, submerge motor up to water intake and keep the fresh water hose running into barrel while motor runs flushing out system. A little awkward at first but getting better each time I do it using the boat hook to steady the barrel when filled with water.
Came from fresh water sailing in Lake Huron to learning how to cope with salt water issues.

Ray Edwards
C25- sail #5079
Cruiz'n<img src=icon_smile_cool.gif border=0 align=middle>

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tinob
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1883 Posts

Response Posted - 05/12/2003 : 13:14:18

My '93 Johnson had such a problem in its eight year of operation( never flushed) I had a windex spray bottle filled with vinegar and pumped it into the flush hole and closed it up over night. Next day it peed again, dang, didn't know outboard motors were susceptible to prostate restrictions as well. Flush it yearly now.

Val on Calista # 3936

Val Bisagni]<img src="http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3df11b3127cce94709c5ff2e90000000010" border=0>

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Todd Frye
Navigator

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USA
222 Posts

Response Posted - 05/12/2003 : 13:38:36

My Honda O.B. was not showing cooling water two years ago, so I decided to do a fairly extensive engine tune up during the off-season. I sent away to Honda for a new thermostat and new gaskets for the water passageway cover and carb. The stuff I found inside the water passageways was pretty stubborn and required scrapping and picking to remove all the deposits. Now I've got a great cooling stream and the confidence to know the O.B. has good circulation. Only took a morning to do the carb and clean out the deposits.Good luck. Todd Frye.

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svmoxie
Past Commodore

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USA
331 Posts

Response Posted - 05/12/2003 : 13:50:59

Hi Dick!

You might consider replacing the impeller even though it looks ok and blow out the tubing with compressed air with the hoses and thermostat removed. Lots of fresh water flushed through will help be the best "solvent". If that doesn't work I would suggest the Yamaha shop, they do lots of these repairs.

This brings up an interesting problem. How do you prevent this when your boat sits in the water year-round. Maybe when you return to the dock you should run a hose down and flush the motor out with a fresh water adapter for the intake.<img src="http://www.westmarine.com/images/full/955tem_f.jpg" border=0>

I am not sure how I will address this on the mooring.

I will splash in New Bern on the 24th. I will be on the boat for the entire week so if you will be around I will swing by...

Clif Thompson
Treasurer C-25/250 National Association.
svMoxie '81 25 sk

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.