www.iFourWinns.com

At the end of the season i picked up a 1997 278 vista with twin 5.7 Gli's. I'm going to install a flush system for each motor and wanted to hear some opinions on what i plan to do.

1: Going to insert a "T" fitting in the hose that is before the water pump on the port side of each motor.
2: Will then run a hose from each fitting through bilge compartment to a perko hose connection that will be located above the swim platform on both sides respectively. The fitting on the starboard side will be above the water system hose connector.

Each motor will have its own hose connector and will be isolated from the other motor. I figure if the hose connectors are easy to access i will be more inclined to flush the motors every time. The boat stays in a slip from Apr to November


These are the fitting i plan on using

http://www.google.com/imgres?hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=Ipg&sa=X&tbo=d&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&biw=1024&bih=651&tbm=isch&tbnid=HTuADYIhFocIkM:&imgrefurl=http://www.downwindmarine.com/Perko-Water-Outlet-Connector-1-2-Male-Chrome-Plated-Bronze-p-91000984.html&docid=hvBq57WpgTPZjM&imgurl=http://www.downwindmarine.com/images/P/58374.jpg&w=240&h=300&ei=BIzKUNzwJYzV0gG7iYHwCQ&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=717&sig=112892037893325113453&page=1&tbnh=135&tbnw=108&start=0&ndsp=25&ved=1t:429,r:8,s:0,i:115&tx=22&ty=48

_________________
1997 278 Vista twin 5.7's

A "T" piece in the water pump inlet line is what VP did on the later engines. They connected that to a garden hose type connector, the hose retained in place using an exhaust manifold bolt. Hopefully this link works.

http://www.marinepartsexpress.com/VP_Schematics/GAS/5.7Gi-E_5.7Gi-EF_5.7Gil-E_5.7GXi-F_5.7GXi-FF_5.7GXil-F_5.7OSi-D_5.7OSi-DF_5.7OSXi-D_5.7OSXi-DF/COOLING%20SYSTEM/Seawater%20Pump%20and%20Hoses%20%20Early(0).pdf

Whatever end fitting you use, whether it's outside or inside the engine compartment, it needs to be airtight when not connected to a hose, or else it will suck air in.

I could never get a good connection between the VP garden hose connector and the garden hose connectors available in the UK. So, I removed it and replaced it with a ball valve and a male quick release coupling (the "Gardena" type). It's now easy to click on a garden hose. When not in use, that's capped with a blanked off female quick release coupling ( and the ball valve is closed). Due to the extra weight of the ball valve, I put a slightly longer hose on and made an additional stainless right angle bracket , the whole assembly is attached via a riser bolt, using the original bracket in the diagram.

thanks graham. do you have any pics of your install?
i dont think the fittings i have will leak but i will test the m for sure before installing

_________________
1997 278 Vista twin 5.7's

As usual Graham made a small comment in his post that should be considered critical ---
=====================================================================
Make sure the hose connection is closed and is airtight.

I believe that connection being loose, was the real cause of my recent engine overheat.

I believe that fitting was left loose after the engine was flushed -- which being in salt water, we do after every outing.

I think that the air being drawn in led to the seawater pump failing and then the engine overheat.
The boat was left idling at the dock after launch ,and while the family was in the boat, no one was watching the engine temperature.
One of the grandkids wanted to pilot the boat out, with an adult standing right behind them.

The engine -- although never at more than idle -- gradually overheated to the point I heard it miss.
It continued to run as I headed to a nearby island (200 yds) but actually died just as we reached the land.
The engine was locked up.

I had SeaTow take us back to the dock, and am in the process of a rebuild on that engine.
I am also installing a bright warning light on the dash that even the grandkids will notice.

my boat does not have a warning buzzer or limp home mode in the ECU.

again -- make sure the connection is airtight after every use.

thx
Dale

_________________
DaleG -- West Palm Beach FL
2003 240Horizon -- 5.7Gi -Duoprop

I see this interesting and informative topic and wanted to say about it .No doubt engine is the basic part of our machine and we need to take care of it .I have a confusion about it .What would you recommend as far as after market parts and witch brand. I bought a welded thrush muffler and the lift about 2 months ago.Please some one advised me about it .

_________________
!! Be a honest person .!!