Draining The Sterndrive - Mercury 350 MAG Manual

2. Remove three blue drain plugs: one from the distribution housing (lower front, port side) and two from the seawater pickup
pump (front, starboard side).
a - Blue drain plug
3. Verify that water is draining from each opening.
4. Allow the system to drain for a minimum of five minutes. We recommend leaving the drain system open while transporting
the boat or performing other maintenance to ensure that all water is drained.
5. Crank the engine over slightly with starter motor to purge any water trapped in the seawater pickup pump. Do not allow the
engine to start.
6. Before launching the boat or starting the engine, close the drain system by installing the three blue drain plugs.

Draining the Sterndrive

NOTE: This procedure is needed only for salty, brackish, mineral laden, or polluted water applications; and for freezing
temperatures or extended storage.
1. Insert a small wire repeatedly to make sure that vent holes, water drain holes, and passages are unobstructed and open.
d
a
Sterndrive Water Drain Holes
a - Speedometer pitot tube
b - Trim tab cavity vent hole
c - Trim tab cavity drain passage
d - Gear housing water drain hole (1 each ‑ port and starboard)
e - Gear housing cavity vent hole
f - Gear housing cavity drain hole
The universal joint bellows may develop a set when stored in a raised or up position, causing the bellows to fail when returned
to service and allowing water to enter the boat. Store the sterndrive in the full down position.
2. Lower the sterndrive unit to the full down/in position.
90-8M0050539 MAY 2011
eng
a
e
b
NOTICE
Section 6 - Storage
a
6142
f
c
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