Section 5 - Maintenance
90-899883295 JUNE 2008 Page 111
10. Operate the engine with the sterndrive in neutral for a minimum of 10 minutes.
11. For engine packages operated in saltwater, brackish water, mineral‑laden water, or
polluted water, continue to operate the engine until the discharge water is clear.
12. Slowly return the throttle to the idle speed position.
13. Stop the engine.
14. Immediately shut off the supply water. Do not remove the flushing attachment from the
sterndrive at this time.
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.
NOTICE
Disconnecting the seawater inlet hose will cause water to enter the bilge resulting in
engine damage. Close the seacock before disconnecting the seawater inlet hose. Plug
the seawater inlet hose immediately after disconnecting it.
15. Close the seacock, if equipped, then disconnect the seawater inlet hose to prevent
water from siphoning into the engine or boat.
16. If not equipped with a seacock, disconnect the seawater inlet hose from the seawater
pump, and immediately plug the hose to prevent water from siphoning into the engine
or boat.
17. Raise the sterndrive to the trailer position.
18. Remove the flushing attachment from the sterndrive.
19. Tag the ignition switch with an appropriate tag requiring the seacock to be opened or
the seawater inlet hose to be reconnected before operating the engine.
The Boat out of the Water—Alternative Water Pickups
IMPORTANT: Flushing the power package is most effective when performed with the boat
and sterndrive out of the water.
IMPORTANT: Flushing is needed If the engine package has been operated in saltwater,
brackish water, mineral‑laden water, or polluted water. For best results flushing is
recommended after each outing and before cold weather and extended storage.
1. Lower the sterndrive to the 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.
2. Remove the propeller. Refer to the appropriate Mercury MerCruiser sterndrive service
manual.
3. Close the seacock, if equipped.
4. If not equipped with a seacock, disconnect the seawater inlet hose from the seawater
pump.
5. Using a suitable adapter, connect the flushing hose from the water source to the water
inlet of the seawater pump.
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