Section 5 - Maintenance
Page 98 90-864197076 NOVEMBER 2008
8. Open the water source of the water hose to a full flow.
9. Allow the water to flush the sterndrive for 30 seconds.
10. Place the remote control in neutral idle speed position and start engine.
NOTICE
Without sufficient cooling water, the engine, the water pump, and other components will overheat and suffer damage. Provide
a sufficient supply of water to the water inlets during operation.
11. Operate the engine at idle speed in neutral gear. Do not exceed 1200 RPM.
12. Monitor the engine temperature while operating the engine.
13. Flush the engine for 5 to 10 minutes or until discharge water is clear.
14. Shut off the engine.
15. Allow the water to flush the sterndrive for 10 seconds.
16. Turn off the water source.
17. Disconnect the quickāconnect fitting and water hose from the flush socket on the engine by pressing the release button on
the flush socket.
a - Quickāconnect fitting (water hose end)
b - Flush socket release button
18. Remove the quickāconnect fitting from the water hose.
a - Quickāconnect fitting (water hose end)
b - Water hose
19. Retain the quickāconnect fitting with the water hose end for repeated use by storing it separately in a storage compartment
on the boat for easy access.
IMPORTANT: Do not store the quickāconnect fitting in the flush socket on the engine. Doing so would allow the seawater
pump to suck air during engine operation causing an overheating problem. Damages due to engine overheating are not
covered by Mercury MerCruiser Warranty.
Quick-connect fitting stored in the boat
a - Quickāconnect fitting (water hose end)