Ok to flush engines with non potable water?

[haknslash]

This is probably a stupid question but is it OK to flush my engine using a non-possible water with Salt Away? We are at the beach and the condo that we are staying at has a boat parking and water hose by the boat parking.

 

[2nazt]

I don't see why not. Unless it is salt water hose lol

 

[Bennie]

@haknslash - why do you say its not potable water? I'm quite sure it would be easier to have an extra spigot come off of their city water supply than get an extra pump and bring up salt water.

But to answer your question as long as it's fresh water you are good. The end point is to flush your engine of the salt crystals that can form in the small coolant lines in your block.

 

[Bennie]

BTW - did you make it out today? Have blast? get to do any great snorkeling?
(favorite place is on the bay side of the jetties on the east side of the pass)

Can you tell I'm excited and can't wait to go back!?! :-D

 

[haknslash]

@Bennie its not potable because there is a sign saying so and not to drink the water. I'm pretty sure it's fresh water, just not treated as drinking water. I will ask the office in the morning just to be sure it's fresh water.

We didn't go it today but perhaps tomorrow. Ocean was so calm I really wanted to see it anchored out there lol. Yea the east side of the pass is where we usually chill around shell island. I am sure we will hop all around the bay and explore so sweet spots. I forgot to pack my Canon DSLR camera though so I can't take anything but iPhone pics

 

[Bennie]

WOW - that is a nice sunset. As flat and beautiful as it is out here (offshore oil platform) Hope you guys enjoy!!
Hoping to be there in a few more weeks (Aug 12-16)

As for the water I'm guessing it's still fresh water - most likely off of their fire suppression piping. Not their certified treated and dedicated drinking/potable water distribution line.

 

[haknslash]

Talked to the condo management about the water and they said it's well water. So I'm not sure just how fresh water that means down here on the gulf. A bit hesitant to use it.

@Bennie where did you flush at while here? I'm trying to find a launch site on the bay that also has a rinse/flushing area.

 

[2nazt]

Well water will be fine for flushing. I would use it. Many homes in FL run off well water. Way better than any salt water sitting in the engines.

 

[Bennie]

@haknslash - well water is just fine. My house has well water and I use that for everything. The ground water will be fresh water. Salt crystals would be filtered by the earth... same as carbon filtering.

I stayed west of PCB at my aunts house. Never flushed my engines at the St. Andrews ramp.. sorry can't help there. Though I am pretty sure that they have a water hookup.

 

[haknslash]

Do I also need to spray my engine area down with Salt Away when I flush ? What about the electronics getting wet?

 

[2nazt]

I spray engine area down as well, and once dry coat with area with Yamalube/T-9 type of product. All electronics are okay to get wet, but I don't spray full power though and try not stay in one spot with the hose either. I sometimes leave my bilge plug in for a few minutes to cycle and check my bilge pumps also. But than I pull the plug and drain it all out. I notice mainly on my Waverunner salt water inside engine area and figure something leaks out or lets salt out somewhere so why not clean it.

 

[Bennie]

@haknslash - we boat in salt water every time we take out boat out.

When we get back I flush the engines (with our well water). This is to keep the coolant lines to form any salt crystals in them than can occlude the lines. We like to power wash the boat (delicate tip) and we do that to everything - hull, seats, floor, helm. I rarely rinse off the engines - they shouldn't be getting wet! (fingers crossed)

 

[Bennie]

I second @2nazt on the spray protectant. We do that after every time we spray down the engines.

That being said - I would flush the engines every night while on vacation and give her a decent bath/spray down, then truly pamper your baby when you get her back home. IMHO (from a guy who solely boats in salt water)

 

[2nazt]

I just did the Keys and mine sat in Salt Water on the mooring ball for 4 nights with no flush or anything. Took forever to clean when I got home. I recommend pulling the clean out plug as well and leaving it out overnight in the seated position. I read on here it helps a lot with keeping from sticking. I let mine sit in the driveway at home the same way as well.

 

[Bennie]

second that again!! - and lube the o-rings around the clean out plugs

 

[fairpilot]

It is fine to flush with non potable water. All it means is it is not drinkable by people. It is still clean fresh water.