Redlabel
03-16-2009, 09:04 PM
what is there to know about these motors as far as maintenance or life of motor. if this motor is used for a couple of years in salt water then you use it in fresh water. any experience on this topic i would appreciate. thank you
Miami Vice
03-17-2009, 10:06 PM
Change the water pump right away. I run my engine in salt water all year round, and I change the water pump once a year. The impeller may not be worn out in that short a time period, but I'm more concerned about the bolts "freezing" from the salt corrosion. If you don't change the pump for a few years, when you finally get around to changing it, you might need a torch to free up some of the frozen bolts.
You also want to remove the prop once a year, and grease the prop shaft.
Salt water corrosion can seize the prop to the shaft, and if that happens you need to burn the prop off.
You might want to check the thermostats to make sure they aren't so corroded with salt that they don't open and close properly.
You also want to spray the whole powerhead area with WD40, CRC, or silicone to prevent the salt from causing corrosion.
Miami Vice