[bullseye]

i think it depends on the engine, i used to have a Mariner(mercury) 8HP, with the gear shift on the tiller it was made in america, it was a very good motor (i hate giving the yanks credit for anything,but credit where its due!) it never got flushed & started first or second pull, but i also have a japanese made Tohatsu 3.5HP that i would occasionally flush, & the cylinder head just recently corroded off it, so i would suggest finding out where the motor was made.