Section 4 - Maintenance
Page 54 90-8M0113857 eng DECEMBER 2015
IMPORTANT: Alpha engines with the sterndrive water inlet blocked off at the gimbal housing, and using a through‑the‑hull
water inlet, need a supply of cooling water available to both the sterndrive and to the engine during operation
Flushing Attachments
Flushing Device 91‑44357Q 2
Attaches to the water intakes; provides a fresh water connection when flushing the cooling system or
operating the engine.
Sterndrive Water Pickups
This Mercury MerCruiser sterndrive is equipped with side water pickups. Side pickups require the flushing attachment (44357Q
2).
5773
Side pickup
NOTE: Flushing is needed only for salty, brackish, mineral‑laden, or polluted water applications. Flushing is recommended after
each outing for best results.
NOTICE
Flushing the engine with the boat in the water can cause seawater to flow into the engine, resulting in engine damage. Close
the seacock before flushing the engine. Keep the seacock closed until starting the engine.
1. On seawater cooled models: proceed to Step 5. or Step 6.
NOTE: Closed cooling models are equipped with a heat exchanger on the side of the engine.
2. If flushing the cooling system with the boat in the water:
a. Raise the sterndrive to trailer position.
b. Install the appropriate flushing attachment over the water inlet holes in the gear housing.
c. Lower sterndrive to full down/in position.
3. If flushing the cooling system with the boat out of the water:
a. Lower sterndrive to full down/in position.
!
WARNING
Rotating propellers can cause serious injury or death. Never operate the boat out of the water with a propeller installed.
Before installing or removing a propeller, place the drive unit in neutral and engage the lanyard stop switch to prevent the
engine from starting. Place a block of wood between the propeller blade and the anti‑ventilation plate.
b. Remove propeller.
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