Flush your outboard after every saltwater run

Salt left in cooling passages accelerates corrosion and can restrict water flow long before you see an overheat alarm.

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Why this matters

Salt left in cooling passages accelerates corrosion and can restrict water flow long before you see an overheat alarm.

No regrets: If the engine touched saltwater today, flush it today — not next weekend.

When DIY is not enough

Book a scheduled service if you notice reduced stream pressure, white exhaust smoke, or rising temperature — impeller or thermostat issues often start as subtle flush symptoms.

DIY steps

Attach a flush muff or factory flush port per your engine manual.
Run fresh water through the engine at idle until the outlet runs clear and cool (typically 5–10 minutes).
Do not rev a dry or unflushed engine on the hose unless your manufacturer allows it.
Log the flush in your maintenance notes if you track hours.

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Full Throttle Marine comes to your dock in Tampa Bay and on the First Coast. Flat-rate quoted before we arrive. Yamaha and Mercury outboard specialists — no trailers, no waiting rooms.

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Common questions

Flush your outboard after every saltwater run

Salt left in cooling passages accelerates corrosion and can restrict water flow long before you see an overheat alarm. If the engine touched saltwater today, flush it today — not next weekend.

When should I call a professional instead?

Book a scheduled service if you notice reduced stream pressure, white exhaust smoke, or rising temperature — impeller or thermostat issues often start as subtle flush symptoms.