>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I thought I saw a video of a flushing procedure for the freshwater coolant side of the motor, where Rod had a circulation pump sitting in front of the motor. I poked around his YouTube channel which you linked, but I still can't find it. Maybe it was someone else's video.
Anyway, I'd love to hear what others do for flushing and rinsing of the freshwater side, as I haven't found much on this topic in my searches.
Yes, I thought I'd give it a try, but kinda knew it wasn't the freshwater side. I don't recall MS doing a video on that, so could be someone else. I do remember something like that, but could have been refilling the freshwater system after draining or replacing a water heater - his way to BURP. I do recall it being one in front of the engine, too. I don't recall seeing anything on the subject here either.
My methods over the years have consisted of:
1. Breaking the old alternator mount, so when the alternator slammed down, it took out the freshwater hose and the oil filter. Seems the oil filter "saved" the timing gear cover! Anyway, I got to replace the coolant and the oil. 1999. That's when I wrote my article about it, in the tech wiki.
2. Replacing and/or removing the HX. When I bought our boat I took the old 2" HX off and cleaned the salt off the inlet port, which had blocked 1/2 of it! I did this every two years until I got my new 3" HX. And then I had to replace that one when the support bracket broke and reamed a hole it it. Many times replacing the coolant.
3. Replacing the engine hoses. Did them all maybe 7 years ago.
Lots of opportunities. One thing, though, I never actually flushed the system, figuring that repeated refills of replacement of still good coolant would have done the job.
If I was doing it, I'd run the engine after draining the old coolant best I could, refilling with nothing but distilled water, drain and refill with coolant. I've been using the environmentally friendly stuff, but haven't found it here yet, so will have to switch to "regular" next year or so.
I looked at photos of an M35B that are in this forum (search M35B flix) and didn't see anything apparent as to how to drain, since I do understand things are different on your engine than in my "Burping" photos. But I'm sure you could find a place to disconnect a freshwater coolant hose and drain it via a funnel and hose into a bucket.
Years ago someone suggested using one of the petcocks. I disagreed. I was in the building construction industry for 50 years, and learned that the small orifices on petcocks are notorious for getting clogged and then not closing properly. I don't think it's worth the risk.
