"IDT 512" wrote in message
om...
"Edward Quillian" wrote in message
...
engine will overheat within about 5 minutes. Bigger problem is you will
destroy the rubber impeller on the water pump.
"IDT 512" wrote in message
om...
how long can i run the engine safely without cooling water? engine is
a
Merc 3.0L.

5 minutes??? i was thinking closer to like 15-20 seconds! I want to
start it up in the garage every once in a while and was wondering if i
can run without the flush kit to avoid getting the garage floor all
wet, otherwise id have to pull it out to the street each and every
time.
Plus
- no need to drag the trailer out of the garage
Minus
- possible engine overheating
- possible water pump impellor damage
- engine fumes in the garage

And then I'd wonder about the plus and minus of starting it "now and then"
and not really being able to run it long / hard enough for it to warm up.

I'd be talking to your dealer, but if it's properly shut down, the battery
is kept charged, and the fuel you use to start it is fresh, I'd suspect that
it would be more reliable and last longer if it was left alone between
seasons. This from a person who lives where we can boat all year, and has a
diesel inboard.

Now that's sure to attract some criticism....
David