saltwater in engine - when do I need to be concerned?

[gcmarshall]

I have recently been doing some "deep-dropping" where in order to keep the boat stationary I slap the boat into reverse every now and then, backing into the oncoming sea. I only do this when the sea is good, but even so, waves do break over the cowlings, and I would imagine that salt water does get inside.

My question is, is this endangering the engines? I do spray down with corrosion block regularly, and rinse off the engines with fresh water on a monthly basis. (my mechanic tells me it is fine to run fresh water over the engine, once I don't wet the starting motor, and I start the engine after to warm it up and dry off the water)

The engines are 2006 ETEC 60s.

thanks,

[jorgeparagon]

My two cents

Every time that you go to salt water ,take your cowling out and rinse gently with fresh water,on a vertical way from top to down, keeping away from de front part of the engine,use as much less waterpressure and use a spray (corrosion block,t-9,corrosionx ,etc)of whatever you want ,when the engine is cold ,when it is dry ,put the cowl back.
I've been doing that for the last 16 years, and the engine looks like new!
Have a nice day
Evinrude 175 1991

[ChampioNman]

When your wrench can't get the power head off .

[lkhartwl]

champ knows from experience

[gcmarshall]

thanks folks.....the engine is used commercially so it isn't practical to wash it down with freshwater every time out, but I will keep on doing what I am doing!