Cold Weather Or Extended Storage; Preparing Power Package For Storage - Mercury Inboard 5.7L Manual

Storage

Cold Weather or Extended Storage

IMPORTANT: Mercury MerCruiser strongly recommends that this service should be
performed by an authorized Mercury MerCruiser dealer. Damage caused by freezing
temperatures IS NOT covered by the Mercury MerCruiser Limited Warranty.
Seawater that is trapped in or remains in the cooling system seawater section during cold
weather or winter storage can freeze resulting in cooling system or engine damage.
Completely drain the seawater from the cooling system seawater section for winter
storage or immediately after cold weather operation when the possibility of freezing
temperatures exist.
IMPORTANT: Mercury MerCruiser requires that propylene glycol antifreeze, mixed to the
manufacturers instructions, be used in the seawater section of the cooling system for
freezing temperatures or extended storage. Make sure that the propylene glycol antifreeze
contains a rust inhibitor and is recommended for use in marine engines. Be certain to follow
the propylene glycol manufacturer's recommendations.

Preparing Power Package for Storage

1. Fill the fuel tanks with fresh gasoline (that does not contain alcohol) and a sufficient
amount of Quicksilver Gasoline Stabilizer for Marine Engines to treat the gasoline.
Follow instructions on the container.
2. If the 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
Mercury/Quicksilver Gasoline Stabilizer for Marine Engines added to any fuel
remaining in the tank. Refer to Fuel Requirements for additional information.
3. Flush the cooling system. Refer to the Maintenance section.
4. Operate the engine sufficiently to bring it up to normal operating temperature and allow
fuel with Mercury/Quicksilver Gasoline Stabilizer to circulate through the fuel system.
Shut off the engine.
5. Change the oil and oil filter.
6. Prepare the engine and fuel system for storage. Refer to Engine and Fuel System
Preparation.
7. Drain the engine seawater cooling system. Refer to Draining the Seawater System.
If boat is in the water, seacock must remain closed until engine is to be re‑started to
prevent water from flowing back into cooling system and/or boat. If boat is not fitted with
a seacock, water inlet hose must be left disconnected and plugged to prevent water from
flowing back into cooling system and/or boat. As a precautionary measure, attach a tag
to the ignition switch or steering wheel of the boat with the warning: Open seacock or
reconnect water inlet hose before starting engine.
8. For additional assurance against freezing and rust, after draining, fill the seawater
cooling system with propylene glycol mixed to the manufacturer's recommendation to
protect engine to the lowest temperature to which it will be exposed during freezing
temperatures or extended storage.
9. Store the battery according to the manufacturer's instructions.
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CAUTION
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CAUTION
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90-860174050 JUNE 2005