MerCruiser 496 MAG Owner's Manual page 101

NOTE: Engines with the sterndrive water inlet blocked off at the gimbal housing: Refer to Alternative Water Pickups.
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.
IMPORTANT: Do not allow the engine to pull air or seawater from alternative water pickup sources during the flushing procedure.
If equipped, ensure that all alternative water inlet hoses are plugged at both ends.
1. Remove the boat from the water.
2. Close the seacock, if equipped.
c
a
b
3. If equipped with an alternative water pickup and not equipped with a seacock, disconnect the water hose from the alternative
water pickup and plug both ends, excluding the Bravo sterndrive.
4. Ensure that the inlet water hose from the sterndrive to the engine is connected.
5. Remove the quick‑connect fitting from the parts bag supplied with the engine.
6. Attach the quick‑connect fitting to a water hose.
a
7. Snap the quick‑connect fitting with the water hose into the flush socket on the engine.
18489
90-899883274 MARCH 2008
For visual clarity, the secock shown is not installed
a - Hose fitting to engine
b - Seacock
c - Handle (closed position)
d - To water source pickup attachment
d
18510
a - Quick connect fitting (water hose end)
b
b - Water hose
18487
a - Water hose
b - Quick‑connect fitting (water hose end)
a
c - Flush socket
b
c
WARNING
!
Section 5 - Maintenance
Page 93