Storage Preparation - Mercury 150 EFI Service Manual

Storage Preparation

The major consideration in preparing your outboard for storage is to protect it from rust,
corrosion, and damage caused by freezing of trapped water.
The following storage procedures should be followed to prepare your outboard for out of
season storage or prolonged storage (two months or longer).
Never start or run your outboard (even momentarily) without water circulating
through all the cooling water intake holes in the gear case to prevent damage to
the water pump (running dry) or overheating of the engine.
FUEL SYSTEM
IMPORTANT: Gasoline containing alcohol (ethanol or methanol) can cause a for-
mation of acid during storage and can damage the fuel system. If the gasoline be-
ing used contains alcohol, It is advisable to drain as much of the remaining gaso-
line as possible from the fuel tank, remote fuel line, and engine fuel system.
Fill the fuel system (tank, hoses, fuel pumps, and fuel injection systems) with treated (sta-
bilized) fuel to help prevent formation of varnish and gum. Proceed with following instruc-
tions.
1. Portable Fuel Tank – Pour the required amount of Quicksilver Gasoline Stabilizer (fol-
low instructions on container) into fuel tank. Tip fuel tank back and forth to mix stabiliz-
er with the fuel.
2. Permanently Installed Fuel Tank – Pour the required amount of Quicksilver Gasoline
Stabilizer (follow instructions on container) into a separate container and mix with ap-
proximately one quart (one liter) of gasoline. Pour this mixture into fuel tank.
3. Place the outboard in water or connect flushing attachment for circulating cooling
water. Run the engine at 2000 rpm for 10 minutes to allow treated fuel to fill the fuel
system.
PROTECTING INTERNAL ENGINE COMPONENTS
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Models
NOTE: Make sure the fuel system has been prepared for storage.
1. Remove the spark plugs and add approximately one ounce (30ml) of engine oil into
each spark plug hole. Rotate the flywheel manually several times to distribute the oil
in the cylinders. Reinstall spark plugs.
2. Remove the water separating fuel filter and empty contents into a suitable container.
Refer to Maintenance Section for removal and installation of filter. Replace fuel filter
annually, or every 100 Hours of operation, or if large amount of fuel contamination is
present.
PROTECTING EXTERNAL OUTBOARD COMPONENTS
1. Lubricate all outboard components listed in the Inspection and Maintenance Sched-
ule.
2. Touch up any paint nicks. See your dealer for touch-up paint.
3. Spray Quicksilver Corrosion Guard on external metal surfaces (except corrosion con-
trol anodes).
GEAR CASE
Drain and refill the gear case lubricant (refer to maintenance procedure).
90-883728 JULY 2001
CAUTION
MAINTENANCE
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