flush outboard with trash can or hose attachment?

[whiskerwhipper]

I'm gonna crank up my 9.9 Mercury 4 stroke this week as a pre season check. Could I run my motor in a 55 gallon trash can Pops keeps in the shop filled with water or would it be best if I use a motor flusher? Only concern is if the flusher falls off durin operation.

[Landscaper62]

I don't see why not. I use the bottom half of a 55 gal can blocked up to the right heigth to test my 9.9. I just leave a hose runnning to keep the water level up.

[FroggerZack]

Only use the flusher to run at idle. Also if you want to test to see if your water pump is functioning correctly you need to run it in the barrel as the flusher will force water through the pump and mask that it is not working correctly. So if you have a barrel that is what is best to use. IMO

[yankee doodler]

I don't see why not. I use the bottom half of a 55 gal can blocked up to the right heigth to test my 9.9. I just leave a hose runnning to keep the water level up.

I been doin' my 7.5 that way for years. No probs.

[thehines]

Of the 2, you are better off using a barrel. I use a large trash can for all size engines. I run small 20hp - 225hp.

[bobberwatcher]

Definately a barrel.

[Scrapper]

For flushing I would use the muffs...just my opinon...you have a constant flow of clean water going through it. It shouldn't fall off...and I would not leave it outside running unattended anyways.

NEVER rev an outboard without any load...meaning in the water or with a test pro. Ecspecially two strokes...the can run away if you are not careful.

Checking water pump...yes...in barrel...it needs to pull and not get pushed as was said earlier. If in doubt CHANGE the pump..its the one most important piece of an outboard engine.

You can also put some antifreeze in the barrel with clean water in the winter if you know its going to be really cold....this will stay in the places that would normally have staright water in them and not freeze...just food4thot.