Flushing outboards motors correctly after every time they have been used in seawater is common knowledge among owners. Long flushing of the outboard motor after use is done to clear the salt residue that builds up on the internal system.
This is not only relevant to seawater but also applicable when used in brackish or silty and muddy water. Your outboard should also be correctly flushed after every use in brackish water to ensure continuous flawless working and engine longevity.
Brackish water refers to a water source that is somewhat salty by definition, but not as salty as seawater. Exactly how salty will vary depending on the water source where it is extracted. This amount of saltiness is mostly effected by environmental factors and cannot be precisely defined.
Brackish water sources are most commonly found at transitional points of water where fresh water meets seawater.
Outboards used in sources other than brackish and seawater also need to be flushed. Use in freshwater systems also pose a danger to outboards that are at risk of intrusion by foreign particles into the engine.
Various pieces of debris in freshwater such as lily pads, sand or algae and other materials can find their way into the cooling passages of the outboard motor engine and start causing internal damage.
Outboards used in these freshwater sources need regular and proper flushing, as well as general engine maintenance, to avoid the risk of overheating and damaging the outboard.
The best method you can use to flush your outboard after use in any of the above water environments, is no doubt an aftermarket flush port system or attachment kit such as the Flush-M™ system for Mercury®, Suzuki® and Yamaha® outboards.
If this is not available not available you could resort to using a sock muff type system, however note that it is much more cumbersome in terms of use as well as risk and work area needed.
Unlike with the Flush-M™ system where you flush the motor with the engine off, by using an “earmuff” system, you need to keep the outboard running while being flushed.
This is not needed when using Flush-M™ aftermarket flush system attachment for Mercury® , Suzuki® and Yamaha® outboards, which allows you to flush the motor with the outboard engine off .
Remember - It is important to check the maintenance notes in your specific outboard engine owner’s manual regarding flushing of your engine and the methods to use. The position of the flushing ports and the types of flushing muffs differ with various makes, and ensure to consult yours before flushing.