Storage; Storage Preparation; Protecting External Outboard Components; Protecting Internal Engine Components - Mercury 4 4-Stroke Manual

Storage Preparation

The major consideration in preparing your outboard for storage is to protect it from rust, corrosion, and damage
caused by freezing of trapped water.
The following storage procedures should be followed to prepare your outboard for out of season storage or
prolonged storage (two months or longer).
Never start or operate your outboard (even momentarily) without water circulating through all the cooling water
intake holes in the gearcase to prevent damage to the water pump (running dry) or overheating of the engine.
FUEL SYSTEM
IMPORTANT: Gasoline containing alcohol (ethanol or methanol) can cause a formation of acid during storage and
can damage the fuel system. If the gasoline being used contains alcohol, it is advisable to drain as much of the
remaining gasoline as possible from the fuel tank, remote fuel line, and engine fuel system.
Fill the fuel tank and engine fuel system with treated (stabilized) fuel to help prevent formation of varnish and gum.
Proceed with following instructions.
• Portable Fuel Tank - Pour the required amount of gasoline stabilizer (follow instructions on container) into
fuel tank. Tip fuel tank back and forth to mix stabilizer with the fuel.
• Permanently Installed Fuel Tank - Pour the required amount of gasoline stabilizer (follow instructions on
container) into a separate container and mix with approximately one quart (one liter) of gasoline. Pour this
mixture into fuel tank.
• Place the outboard in water or connect flushing attachment for circulating cooling water. Run the engine for
ten minutes to fill the engine fuel system.

Protecting External Outboard Components

• Lubricate all outboard components listed in Maintenance - Inspection and Maintenance Schedule.
• Touch up any paint nicks. See your dealer for touch-up paint.
• Spray Quicksilver or Mercury Precision Lubricants Corrosion Guard on external metal surfaces (except
corrosion control anodes).

Protecting Internal Engine Components

• Remove the spark plug and inject a small amount of engine oil inside the cylinder.
• Rotate the flywheel manually several times to distribute the oil in the cylinder. Reinstall spark plug.
• Change the engine oil.

Gearcase

• Drain and refill the gearcase lubricant (refer to Maintenance - Gearcase Lubrication).

Positioning Outboard For Storage

If outboard is stored tilted up in freezing temperature, trapped cooling water or rain water that may have entered
the propeller exhaust outlet in the gearcase could freeze and cause damage to the outboard.
1. Carry, transport or store the outboard only in the following two positions. These positions will prevent oil from
draining out of the crankcase.

STORAGE

CAUTION
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CAUTION
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