New first time boater - start motor when not in water

[Horse]

Just got a boat that has a 2004 Optimax Mercury. I've seen those little like ear flaps that you connect to the hose. Can I hook that up, put it on my motor to make sure it starts prior to hauling it to the lake?

Short version is this boat belonged to my dad before he passed away. I'm not entirely sure what I'm doing (prob obvious right). I figure I'll make sure it starts ok and the trolling batteries are charged before I take it to the local lake which is over an hour away.

[Big J Mac]

Yes u can and good luck. Sorry about your father

[red314]

Do not rev the motor just let it idle. Make sure you see it pee

Have a good time and a safe trip

[mdtritn21]

If that motor has water pickups in the nose cone you should block them or get the hookup mercury sells for that lower unit. Don't rev it up or you could blow it up. You could also take it to a local ramp and just run motor and not launch it.

[offByOne]

My '03 Opti 200 came with a garden hose fitting. You remove the plug in the back of the motor near the base of the cowling, then screw in the garden hose adapter, attach the hose, turn on the water, and you're good to go. No ear flaps.

[wildturkey]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by offByOne &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">My '03 Opti 200 came with a garden hose fitting. You remove the plug in the back of the motor near the base of the cowling, then screw in the garden hose adapter, attach the hose, turn on the water, and you're good to go. No ear flaps.</td></tr></table>

Use muffs, placing the hose there may not provide adequate water to the impeller. I would ask the Merc forum the best method and follow Sherm or Dons advice. Just from what I have heard Don from Eurpoean Marine explain before. I think he advises the muffs.

[haveme1]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by offByOne &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">My '03 Opti 200 came with a garden hose fitting. You remove the plug in the back of the motor near the base of the cowling, then screw in the garden hose adapter, attach the hose, turn on the water, and you're good to go. No ear flaps.</td></tr></table>

I believe that is a flush attachment. If water pressure isn't too high it will work but if it is, the pump will possibly be passed up.

Even with muffs hose pressure need to be less than full force. (from what I've experienced.) We have really strong pressure here.

[Habby]

Do not run the motor with the hose hooked to the flush fitting you will not get the water needed to the water pump and will burn up the pump!
The fitting you are talking about is for flushing the motor only.

[pumatrac]

Ok to run with muffs, not ok to run with flush fitting. Also, do not place in gear when running on muffs. Besides being dangerous, it makes it very hard on the lower unit.

[TRCM]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by pumatrac &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Ok to run with muffs, not ok to run with flush fitting. Also, do not place in gear when running on muffs. Besides being dangerous, it makes it very hard on the lower unit.</td></tr></table>

And why would it make it hard on the lower unit ?

[cowtrimmer]

Because of their tight clearances, lower units are designed to be ran in water to keep them cool. Granted that while idling on muffs the drive shaft is turning. I think problems could occur in the main bearing carrier, pinion area. I'm sure that a few minutes isnt going to seize one up, but why take chances and let it sit there and run in gear.

[ClaySlayer]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by cowtrimmer &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Because of their tight clearances, lower units are designed to be ran in water to keep them cool. Granted that while idling on muffs the drive shaft is turning. I think problems could occur in the main bearing carrier, pinion area. I'm sure that a few minutes isnt going to seize one up, but why take chances and let it sit there and run in gear. </td></tr></table>

At idle speed with no load on the prop I don't see heat being an issue.

[ClaySlayer]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Horse &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">Just got a boat that has a 2004 Optimax Mercury. I've seen those little like ear flaps that you connect to the hose. Can I hook that up, put it on my motor to make sure it starts prior to hauling it to the lake?

Short version is this boat belonged to my dad before he passed away. I'm not entirely sure what I'm doing (prob obvious right). I figure I'll make sure it starts ok and the trolling batteries are charged before I take it to the local lake which is over an hour away.</td></tr></table>

Are you familiar with how to drive a bass boat once you get it to the lake? If not, we can give ya a few pointers...