Draining The Sterndrive - Mercury MerCruiser 4.3 TKS User Manual

Section 6 - Storage
3. On models with a seawater pickup pump, remove the two blue drain plugs. If the
seawater pickup pump does not have blue drain plugs, or you are unable to access
them, loosen the clamps and remove both hoses.
4. Crank the engine over slightly with the starter motor to purge any water trapped in the
seawater pickup pump. Do not allow the engine to start.
5. Before launching the boat or starting the engine, close the drain system by installing
the blue drain plugs.
6. Open the seacock, if equipped, or unplug and reconnect the water inlet hose before
operating the engine.

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
Page 104
b
a - Hose clamps
e
b
Sterndrive Water Drain Holes
a - Speedometer pitot tube
b - Trim tab cavity vent hole
c - Trim tab cavity drain passage
a
b - Blue drain plugs
d - Gear housing water drain hole (one
each at port and starboard)
e - Gear housing cavity vent hole
f - Gear housing cavity drain hole
90-899883179 OCTOBER 2007
6145
f
c
6146