www.iFourWinns.com

I see where the engine has a hookup for freshwater, and I read the manual that states it needs at least 17psi for adequate cooling. It also stated not to go above idle speed. Obviously you don't want to engage the prop.

Has anyone done this and is it really "safe" or recommended? I'd like to investigate my engine noise and planned to this weekend, but now there's a 60% chance of rain.

_________________
SOLD! 2006 30th Anniversary Vista 278
"Conch'd Out!"

http://vista278.com

Sure it is recommended. That flush is used to get out the saltwater after a day of boating.

I happen to use muffs, not the flush hose, two times per year. Once in the spring to be darn sure all engine systems are properly functioning (um read water pump...) before heading out the lake, and then again in the fall to winterize. I bring the engine up to temp on the muffs, change the oil, then drain the water from all points covered in the manual, and then run the engine while fogging and pouring environmentally friendly anti-freeze into the flushing hose (not thru the muffs).

I imagine this fall there will be plenty of questions about winterizing, as well as many people agueing whether or not to use anti-freeze.

D.

Use some muffs on the outdrive. It's safe, I do it all the time. Before we pull the boat(s) to the ramp, they get started on muffs to make sure everything is up to snuff. There is nothing worse than pulling to the ramp, getting the boat off and realizing you have a dead/weak battery or an engine that won't start or idle properly for some other reason.

_________________
Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

I'm not familliar with muffs. I Googled it and they look like suction cups that attach the water intake on the stern drive; is that right? The hose attaches to the muffs, then?

What are the advantages of this system versus using the built-in attachment?

_________________
SOLD! 2006 30th Anniversary Vista 278
"Conch'd Out!"

http://vista278.com

You don't have to run the hose into the cockpit.

_________________
Jvalich
http://www.badcock.com

'04 FW 288 Vista "Mental Floss"

Muffs are easy to use. I was also told that when starting the boat engine in this fashion to be sure the stern is DOWN (not all the way up in trailer position) so as not to stress the stern drive. Besides, after you shut it down you want to water to drain out anyway. We run clean water through after every salt water excursion (once or twice a year) AND after runs in murky rivers.

I live in Daytona and don't have much of a choice but to take it into salt water. I use muffs every time i go out unless ther's a freshwater lake close, then i just dump it in and run it around.

The muffs are perfectly fine. They are a little easier to use, but there is nothing wrong with using the hose attachment either. Just use whatever one you like. For winterization, I favor the muffs so that I know that any fluid I feed through the hose starts at the first point of intake (the lower unit). Eventually, when I suck antifreeze into the hose the muffs are hooked to, it makes its way into the outdrive and I have the peace of mind that every drop of fluid in the system has antifreeze in it.

_________________
Paul
2007 Four Winns Horizon 220
Mercruiser 350 Mag MPI w/ Bravo III Drive
2004 Ford Explorer Limited (V8-AWD)
Pomme de Terre Lake (Southwest Missouri)

ShanMan14, you are not talking about the fresh water hook up inside the lazarette used to flush salt and silt out of the engine are you???? If you are talking about that fresh water hookup, it is imperative that you do not run the engine while you are using this attachment to flush the engine. The engine must be off while you are doing this.

_________________
'04 FW 268Vista "Andiamo"

Volvo Penta engines incorporate an engine flushing port designed to flush the engine with fresh water while the engine is running. This can be used in or out of the water. When in the water, the engine should not be run higher than idle or sea water may be drwn in with the fresh water. Usually the VP owners manuals make reference to the 17 psi or greater figure for the pressure of the fresh water source.

_________________
2007 Horizon 200
4.3L GXi/ SX 225 HP

Jim, you might want to double check that as everything that I've read in the FW manual with the optional flush you DO NOT run the motor. Muffs you DO run the water, always start the flow before starting the engine then shut off engine -> shut down water.

_________________
V475
Chris Craft Catalina 23 w/ 300 G2
Previously-V338, 248 Vista, H210

That's what I have always thought also. I am actually just leaving the office, and plan to head over to the marina and check it out on my boat.

_________________
'04 FW 268Vista "Andiamo"

Somewhat of a moot point (for me) at this point. I asked the question when I had the Funship which is now gone.

_________________
SOLD! 2006 30th Anniversary Vista 278
"Conch'd Out!"

http://vista278.com

Cool. Just didn't want to see someone burn up an impeller if they come across this down the road.

_________________
V475
Chris Craft Catalina 23 w/ 300 G2
Previously-V338, 248 Vista, H210

I did not realize that you posed the question before you got the 278Vista. Sorry about that!

FWIW to anyone else, I am on the boat right now and I am looking at the fresh water flush out connection in the lazarette, and it has a big orange sticker under it with bold black lettering that says,"WARNING - Do Not Use FLush Out System to Run the Engine Out of the Water"

_________________
'04 FW 268Vista "Andiamo"