flushing fresh water cooling system on W-46 westerbeke

[rlg]

Can anyone tell me how to flush my fresh water cooling? I cant see a drain and pulling hoses is messy and not very effective. I would also like to include the loop to the water heater as well. Seems like it should be a simple thing...

thanks, Rob

[Saltyhog]

It's not easy on this engine. The drain plug for the block is actually behind the starter. You cannot get to it without removing the starter. Crazy, I know. I didn't believe it myself until my mechanic showed me another W46 on the bench and I could look for myself. Pulling the starter does not necessarily have to be a big job, but it will definitly add time to the job. Maine Sail once wrote a post of how he flushes an engine using an external electric pump and some appropriately rigged-up hoses. It involves removing the thermostat as well. If you pull the starter to drain the block, and use his flushing method, you will get the job done and well. But what a pain

[rlg]

Thanks saltyhog, I think I remember hearing that before. Im Going to search his method. Ive just been flushing with distilled water a few times, its getting better but damn headbanger like you say! They dont make it too easy to do the right thing...

[MarkSF]

For normal maintenance it should be quite sufficient to drain most of the water from the system, and re-fill with fresh coolant. What you are doing is just refreshing the anti-corrosion additive package.

If you've left the coolant in for far too long, and corrosion or sludge have taken hold, then you need to flush.

[Blue Stocking]

The W-46 has a V-shaped, stainless steel, directional/bypass reed valve in the water heater hose take-off fitting. Flushing in one direction will collapse the butterfly and not flush the heater, other way will.

[rlg]

thanks for the replies.
I found Maine Sail's post on flushing, guess thats the route Ill take.
My system isnt too bad but I will feel better after a flush.
Thanks for pointing out that valve Blue Stocking, never seen it before.