Tohatsu 40D Salt Problem

[imported_Warren]

Hello.....I fish in the Pacific all the time and am having a salt problem....

I use the muffs hooked up to a hose at the ramp to flush my outboard before driving home....I leave it running on high idle for about 10 minutes while I scrub my boat down.....

When I get home I push the boat into the garage, lower the outboard and leave it until the next trip out.......When I check out the boat the next day I have salt buildup coming out of the gap where the prop meets the lower unit ring....Its a thick salt buildup that is crusty and flakes off on your finger like a glazed donut.....I've been taking the hose after flushing and shooting water up into the prop housing with the same results.......Any suggestions??....I already tried to buy a trash can big enough to submerge the whole lower unit into but can't find one big enough......I'm thinking about trying to build myself a canvas flush bag that I can run the motor in instead of the muffs........

 

[Expidia]

Re: Tohatsu 40D Salt Problem

This is a question for the TOHATSU GURU! He'll show up soon to answer your question

I'd like to know this answer too cause I'm going to buy a bigger rig and use it occasionally in salt water. I thought one could just rinse off the boat and flush the motor after salt water use. Seems there is more to it from your experience.

The Tohatsu Guru is another poster in the forum that pops in and out from time to time!

 

[DJ]

Re: Tohatsu 40D Salt Problem

Get a 55 gallon plastic barrel. I've run a 90 in one. I just cut down one side to allow the engine to tilt down into it. They're available in a lot of places.

Also, use a product called "Salt Away". Most good marine stores will have it.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Tohatsu 40D Salt Problem

Salt is a killer. Depending on the salinity of the water and the time lag between puling the engine out to the time where you can wash it down, it can work its way into the tightest places. DJ has the best solution...Cut down a drum. You can use vinegar if you cant find Salt Away to remove the salt buildup. Don't loose any sleep over this though. This is just the crap that is coming down through the motor leg and it will take 20 years before it becomes a problem.

Pop!

 

[imported_Warren]

Re: Tohatsu 40D Salt Problem

Thanks for the reply's.....I already tried the large rubbermade plastic storage container and the largest trashcan I could find and neither of them were big enough....I guess i'll be looking for a 55 gallon plastic drum next......Does it help if I flush it with warm water and vinegar or is cold fine?

The washdown at the ramp I use is only 50 feet away and I fish in the Pacific here in Cali at night so the salt never has a chance to dry on my boat.....Was thinking about salt away but I believe the salt that i'm getting is not being flushed with the muffs.....Do you think my water intake pipe coming up the leg may have a leak??

No Corrosion where the salts coming out so thats a good thing....It just wipes away.....A buddy of mine said to flush it with radiator coolant but I don't have a way to dispose of it after i'm done.....Can't wait to try running vinegar through it.....Thanks for the tip......

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Tohatsu 40D Salt Problem

Temp isn't really important. Keep in mind that where the water line is on the outside of the motor leg is where the water level is inside the motor leg. It's a noise reducer and a heat sink. When you pull the engine out of the water you have to let it drain in the down position to get the salt water out.