What is the purpose of declutching the engines before back flushing?

The purpose of declutching the engines before back flushing is primarily to prevent damage to the components of the propulsion system. By declutching, the engines are disengaged from the drive system, which minimizes the risk of strain or overload during the back flushing process. This process involves flushing out any contaminants or debris from the cooling system to ensure optimal performance and longevity of the engines. When the engines are declutched, it allows for the back flushing to occur without risking harm to the engine's internal parts or drive components, thereby protecting the overall integrity of the propulsion system.