Draining The Sterndrive; Battery Storage; Recommissioning The Power Package - Mercury 3.0 MPI ECT Operation & Maintenance Manual

14. If water is draining from the blue drain hose, continue with Step 4 of Single Point Drain System.

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
Sterndrive water drain holes
a - Speedometer pitot tube
b - Trim tab cavity vent hole
c - Trim tab cavity drain passage
d - Gear housing water drain hole (one each at port and starboard)
e - Gear housing cavity vent hole
f - Gear housing cavity drain hole
The universal joint bellows may develop a set when stored in a raised or up position, causing the bellows to fail when
returned to service and allowing water to enter the boat. Store the sterndrive in the full down position.
2. Lower the sterndrive to the full down/in position.
3. For additional assurance against freezing and rust, after draining, fill the cooling system with propylene glycol mixed to the
manufacturer's recommendation to protect the engine to the lowest temperature to which it will be exposed during freezing
temperatures or extended storage

Battery Storage

Whenever the battery will be stored for an extended period of time, be sure the cells are full of water and the battery is fully
charged and in good operating condition. It should be clean and free of leaks. Follow the battery manufacturer's instructions for
storage.

Recommissioning the Power Package

1. Ensure that all cooling system hoses are connected properly and hose clamps are tight.
Disconnecting or connecting the battery cables in the incorrect order can cause injury from electrical shock or can damage
the electrical system. Always disconnect the negative (‑) battery cable first and connect it last.
2. Install a fully charged battery. Clean the battery cable clamps and terminals and reconnect the cables. Tighten each cable
clamp securely when connecting.
3. Coat the terminal connections with a battery terminal anticorrosion agent.
4.
Perform all the checks in the Operation Chart.
Without sufficient cooling water, the engine, the water pump, and other components will overheat and suffer damage. Provide
a sufficient supply of water to the water inlets during operation.
90-8M0113856 DECEMBER 2015
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NOTICE
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NOTICE
Section 5 - Storage
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