Flushing cooling system in fresh water?

[Kaffi311]

New 2024 FSH222 sport E owners here. Do we need to be flushing out the coolant system after using the boat even if we're just in a freshwater lake? In the manual, it says under the post operation section that they should be flushed, but we're presuming that may just be for saltwater? Just checking. Thanks.

 

[sbeassie]

I have not been flushing the engines after running in fresh water. I don't think it is necessary but maybe someone on here will say otherwise.

 

[Hot2Go]

The only flushing I have done on our previous boat (AR230) and now our new boat is when servicing or winterizing. I always make sure when coming out of the water or off the hose to let the engines run to dry up the cooling system to prevent any sort of growth (or hope it prevents growth). I've only let them run off the hose or out of the water for 30 seconds-ish. Never had an issue on the AR230 and we owned it for 4.5 years. You should be okay not flushing it if you boat on freshwater only, but certainly won't hurt it. Just make sure you know how to flush it correctly: engine on, water on, water off, engine off. Always that order on the hose.

 

[Neutron]

New 2024 FSH222 sport E owners here. Do we need to be flushing out the coolant system after using the boat even if we're just in a freshwater lake? In the manual, it says under the post operation section that they should be flushed, but we're presuming that may just be for saltwater? Just checking. Thanks.

The only reason to would be to get rid of any sand or possible bacteria growth. Doesn't hurt to do it but if its a clean lake or river then no problem

 

[anmut]

Personal opinion - if the water you run in is clean(ish) no need to flush. Flushing on the hose post-salt water is really to introduce the salt-away chemicals into the block, oil cooler, and exhaust.

Flushing ground water through a low volume hose is probably not as good as the boat pushing lake water out at a much higher volume and velocity directly from the jet pumps.

 

[XLR8ED]

I flush after each use, many times small pieces of weeds do flush out.

My procedure is a hot water flush as well as a complete dry out before going to a different lake, this procedure makes me feel confident I am not transferring anything between lakes.