Water Lines Clean Out

[Deadeye]

If you have a Mercury Optimax, and probably a lot of other outboards, near the top where the “pee” stream comes out there is a Plug.

Unscrew that plug and screw into where it was a garden water hose.

What this does is run water Backwards through the entire system flushing out any bits and pieces that get stuck in there causing low water flow.

I turned the water on into mine and I could hear the water working it’s way through.

The stream went from this:




To this:




It also cleaned out the lower pickup ports so that the water flowed strong through them.





Just a quick and easy way to clean out your motor. Especially important if you fish in grassy or sandy/dirty water.


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[Oldfart9999]

Good reminder with pictures Fred!!!
Rodney

[geneinnc]

There is a chance I get my new repower 150 today. I normally read the manual but I will see if Tohatsu/Honda has that option.

Good tip!

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[Bassinkorea]

If you have a Mercury Optimax, and probably a lot of other outboards, near the top where the “pee” stream comes out there is a Plug.

Unscrew that plug and screw into where it was a garden water hose.

I too have an Optimax with a weak pee stream compared to others.
How are you attaching the water hose to the motor, I just can't see in the photos?

[FD]

@BK

There is a screw cap you remove to connect the hose.

Also if you take your left lower housing of there is a water filter that is not replaced during a normal Mercury service.  Its a pain to get to but the time spent is worth it. 

Arti-FISH-ial Entertainment.    FDx Custom Rods.   CPFLURES.COM

[Bassinkorea]

Thanks FD, I'll check it out next weekend when I get over to the boat.

[Deadeye]

If you have a Mercury Optimax, and probably a lot of other outboards, near the top where the “pee” stream comes out there is a Plug.

Unscrew that plug and screw into where it was a garden water hose.

I too have an Optimax with a weak pee stream compared to others.
How are you attaching the water hose to the motor, I just can't see in the photos?

Right beside the Pee Hole is a plastic plug. I use a crescent wrench to remove and replace mine. It has a Square Head on it.

FD is correct there is another water filter (a screen) that is located on the left side of the motor facing forward.
A zip tie holds the hose on, then once the hose is removed the part that holds the screen screws off.

As to how I screw the hose on to back flush, I reverse twist the hose several times then put it on the opening. That helps to allow you to twist the hose on.


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[Bassinkorea]

Thanks Fred