Bass Fishing Forum

Tips Articles and Ideas => General Tips => Topic started by: Deadeye on March 06, 2021, 08:53:21 AM

Title: Water Lines Clean Out
Post by: Deadeye on March 06, 2021, 08:53:21 AM
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:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210306/4b9c347db4e77ebe5b7a821baa85c7d4.jpg)


To this:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210306/c307bb0c4f3131ff70f935f6c31deac3.jpg)


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

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210306/74f0fe9d01e6be240b187ddf9c817c10.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210306/0003d28e9a941573013473b8aca4fc9f.jpg)


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


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Water Lines Clean Out
Post by: Oldfart9999 on March 06, 2021, 10:32:58 AM
Good reminder with pictures Fred!!!
Rodney
Title: Re: Water Lines Clean Out
Post by: geneinnc on March 06, 2021, 12:35:45 PM
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!

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

Title: Re: Water Lines Clean Out
Post by: Bassinkorea on March 06, 2021, 04:56:46 PM
Quote from: Deadeye on March 06, 2021, 08:53:21 AM
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?
Title: Re: Water Lines Clean Out
Post by: FD on March 07, 2021, 03:54:46 AM
@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

Title: Re: Water Lines Clean Out
Post by: Bassinkorea on March 07, 2021, 04:28:03 AM
Thanks FD, I'll check it out next weekend when I get over to the boat.
Title: Re: Water Lines Clean Out
Post by: Deadeye on March 07, 2021, 07:42:18 AM
Quote from: Bassinkorea on March 06, 2021, 04:56:46 PM
Quote from: Deadeye on March 06, 2021, 08:53:21 AM
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.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Water Lines Clean Out
Post by: Bassinkorea on March 08, 2021, 05:31:39 AM
Thanks Fred  ~shade