Engine And Fuel System Preparation; Draining The Seawater System - MerCruiser 3.0L TKS Alpha Owner's Manual

Engine and Fuel System Preparation

Fuel is flammable and explosive. Ensure that the key switch is off and the lanyard is positioned so that the engine cannot start.
Do not smoke or allow sources of spark or open flame in the area while servicing. Keep the work area well ventilated and avoid
prolonged exposure to vapors. Always check for leaks before attempting to start the engine, and wipe up any spilled fuel
immediately.
Fuel vapors trapped in the engine compartment may be an irritant, cause difficulty breathing, or may ignite resulting in a fire or
explosion. Always ventilate the engine compartment before servicing the power package.
1. Prepare carbureted fuel system for extended storage as follows:
a. Start engine.
b. Provide cooling water to the engine as done in the previous step.
c. Remove flame arrestor assembly.
d. Close the fuel shut off valve, if equipped. Disconnect and plug the fuel inlet fitting if not equipped with a fuel shut off
valve.
e. While operating engine at fast idle (1300 RPM), fog internal surfaces of induction system and combustion changers by
spraying approximately 227 g (8 oz.) of Mercury/Quicksilver Storage Seal or SAE 20W engine oil into carburetor bores.
f. Spray the remaining 57 g (2 oz.) of Storage Seal (or oil) rapidly into carburetor, just as the engine begins to stall, due
to lack of fuel. Allow engine to stop.
Tube Ref No.
Storage Seal Rust
119
Inhibitor
g. Turn ignition key to "OFF" position.
2. Refer to Flushing the Power Package and appropriately remove the water supply the the seawater pickup pump.
3. Clean the flame arrestor and crankcase ventilation hoses and reinstall.
4. Lubricate all items listed in the Lubrication section.
5. On models with closed cooling systems: Test coolant to ensure that it will withstand the lowest temperature expected during
storage.
6. Service batteries according to the manufacturer's instructions.
7. Clean the outside of the engine and repaint any areas required with Mercury/Quicksilver Light Gray Primer and Phantom
Black Paint. After paint has dried, wipe down the outside of the engine with Corrosion Guard.
Tube Ref No.
Corrosion Guard
120
8. For sterndrive unit lay‑up, refer to appropriate Mercury MerCruiser sterndrive service manual.
9. Replace the fuel filter. Refer to the Maintenance section for proper procedure.
10. Change the oil and oil filter.

Draining the Seawater System

Water can enter the bilge when the drain system is open, damaging the engine or causing the boat to sink. Remove the boat
from the water or close the seacock, disconnect and plug the seawater inlet hose, and ensure the bilge pump is operational
before draining. Do not operate the engine with the drain system open.
IMPORTANT: Only drain the seawater section of the closed cooling system.
IMPORTANT: The boat must be as level as possible to ensure complete draining of the cooling system.
IMPORTANT: The engine must not be operating at any point during the draining procedure.
90-8M0053263 NOVEMBER 2010
!
!
Description
Description
!
WARNING
WARNING
Where Used
Carburetor
Where Used
Outside of engine
CAUTION
Section 6 - Storage
Part No.
92-858081K01
Part No.
92-802878 55
Page 69