Power Package Layup - MerCruiser 305 CID (5.0L) Service Manual

MAINTENANCE
Seawater section of cooling system MUST BE COMPLETELY drained for winter
storage, or immediately after cold weather use, if the possibility of freezing temper-
atures exists. Failure to comply may result in trapped water causing freeze and/or
corrosion damage to engine.
IMPORTANT: Observe the following information to ensure complete draining of cool-
ing system.
• Engine must be as level as possible.
• A wire should be repeatedly inserted into all drain holes to ensure there
are no obstructions in passages.
IMPORTANT: To prevent threads in manifolds, elbows and cylinder blocks from rust-
ing during storage, reinstall drain plugs. Never leave drain plugs out during storage.
NOTE: If possible, place a container under drains and hoses to prevent water from draining
into boat.

Power Package Layup

Refer to "Cold Weather or Extended Storage," "Precautions," in this section, BEFORE pro-
ceeding.
IMPORTANT: Mercury MerCruiser strongly recommends that this service be per-
formed by an Authorized Mercury MerCruiser Dealer. Damage caused by freezing IS
NOT covered by the MerCruiser Limited Warranty.
1. Fill fuel tank(s) with fresh gasoline that does not contain alcohol and a sufficient amount
of Quicksilver Gasoline Stabilizer for Marine Engines to treat gasoline. Follow instruc-
tions on container.
2. If boat is to be placed in storage with fuel containing alcohol in fuel tanks (if fuel
without alcohol is not available): Fuel tanks should be drained as low as possible and
Quicksilver Gasoline Stabilizer for Marine Engines added to any fuel remaining in the
tank. Refer to "Fuel Requirements" for additional information.
NOTE: If desired, a portable fuel tank can be used to perform the remainder of the power
package layup procedures. Be sure to add an appropriate amount of Gasoline Stabilizer to
the portable tank.
3. Run engine sufficiently to bring it up to normal operating temperature and allow fuel with
Quicksilver Gasoline Stabilizer to circulate through fuel system.
4. Shut off engine.
5. Change oil and oil filter.
6. Flush cooling system. Refer to "Flushing Cooling System" procedure.
7. Close the fuel shutoff valve, if equipped. If no fuel shutoff valve is present, a suitable
method must be employed to STOP the flow of fuel from the fuel tank to the engine
before proceeding.
Index
Page 1B-40
CAUTION
NOTICE
SERVICE MANUAL NUMBER 24
90-861327--1 OCTOBER 1999