'94 Volvo 5.7Gi/DP to Saltwater?

[mjbf15]

I've recently moved to Florida and want to run my '94 Cobalt w/ Volvo 5.7GI/DP in the saltwater. The boat has been only in freshwater and I want to know if there any other considerations aside from flushing the motor with earmuffs after each outing. Would the installation of a fresh water cooling kit be optimal? Also, how do they work?

 

[Don S]

Re: '94 Volvo 5.7Gi/DP to Saltwater?

After the first year (or 125 hours), it's best not to change a raw water cooled boat to a FWC system. It will most likly plug up the heat exchanger and you really can't clean rust out of that side of the heat exchanger. Just run it, but when you flush it out, get something like Salt-Away to use when flushing and you should have any problems.

 

[mjbf15]

Re: '94 Volvo 5.7Gi/DP to Saltwater?

Thanks Don; I'm only going to be here for the summer. Will the saltwater cause enough corrosion to make running it here not worthwhile?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: '94 Volvo 5.7Gi/DP to Saltwater?

where are you planning on running it in Florida. in the ocean, or rivers. i run in the northern end of the St.Johns River, brackish water. i have 2 outboards 1 55 years old, 1 33 years old, always flushed, no problems. 1 have a 98 4.3 L mercruiser, that was very neglected by the previous owner, probably hardly ever flushed the muff looked brand new. there was some rust in the cooling system but not as much as i expected. run it enjoy Florida, just flush it everytime.

 

[pine island fred]

Re: '94 Volvo 5.7Gi/DP to Saltwater?

By all means use and enjoy the boat. You say you will use ear muffs so have to assume you will be trailering. Be sure to flush the engine as soon as you get it home. Dont put it off till the next day no matter how tired you are. Make it a religion! fred

 

[mjbf15]

Re: '94 Volvo 5.7Gi/DP to Saltwater?

Tnanks all. Bob, don't you recognize me? Since I found this forum I just can't stop asking questions!! I'll be running it around Crooked and Shell Islands and around St Andrew's Bay here in Panama city, so pretty salty. I agree with you though I should get it out and enjoy it, that's why I bought it!