OMC Salt Water question

[dmangi]

I have a 1988 OMC 2.3 with a fresh water cooling system that was installed when the boat was new. It has been in salt water only a few times since we have had it, and we used to live right by a lake so I always dipped it in the lake afterwards and ran it around for a minute to wash all the salt off. I would like to start going fishing a little more in the salt water, and just want to know if I just take it in there, and flush the engine when I get back and hose everything down, is that going to last just as long as it would in fresh water, or does salt start to corrode immediately? And as far as off season storage, all I have been doing every fall is changing the gear oil, changing the engine oil, and draining the block (the side that doesnt have the anti-freeze). Would I need to do anything differently? Do those anti-salt liquids you flush it with do anything, or is just flushing with water fine? By the way, this boat probably only has about 250-300 hours on it. Thanks.

 

[Rickles]

Re: OMC Salt Water question

Yes salt water corrodes it faster.Check the anodes and flush it immediately.Sounds like you're winterizing it ok.I'd fill it 50/50 anti freeze to prevent rust from forming inside the raw water side of the manifold.We run the boats on a machine of 50/50 to do the protection.It's money well spent to prevent freeze damage to the eng.Flushing with water works just fine with mine.

 

[dmangi]

Re: OMC Salt Water question

How do you get the antifreeze in the raw side? Do you somehow get it in through the earmuffs?