Seasonal Storage - Mercury MerCruiser Diesel Inboard 2.8L Operation & Maintenance Manual

1. Supply cooling water to the water inlet holes or seawater pump inlet.
2. Start the engine and operate until it reaches normal operating temperature.
3. Stop the engine.
4. Change the engine oil and filter.
5. Start the engine and run for about 15 minutes. Check for oil leaks.
6. Flush the seawater cooling system. See Flushing the Seawater System.

Seasonal Storage

1. Read all precautions and perform all procedures found in Preparing Your Power Package for Seasonal or Extended
Storage.
2. Read all precautions and perform all procedures found in Draining the Seawater System and drain the seawater section
of the cooling system.
Water trapped in the seawater section of the cooling system can cause corrosion or freeze damage. Remove the boat from
the water to drain the seawater section of the cooling system immediately after operation or before any length of storage in
freezing temperatures.
IMPORTANT: We recommend the use of propylene glycol antifreeze in the seawater section of the cooling system for cold
weather (freezing temperature), seasonal storage, 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.
3. Fill a container with approximately 5.6 L (6.0 US qt) of propylene glycol antifreeze and tap water mixed to manufacturer's
recommendation to protect the engine to the lowest temperature to which it will be exposed during cold weather or
extended storage.
4. Disconnect the seawater inlet hose from the seawater pump. Using an adapter, if required, temporarily connect an
appropriate length piece of hose to seawater pump and place the other end of the hose into the container of propylene
glycol antifreeze and tap water.
IMPORTANT: Discharge of propylene glycol into the environment may be restricted by law. Dispose of propylene glycol in
accordance with federal, state, and local requirements.
5. Start the engine and operate at idle speed until the antifreeze mixture has been pumped into the engine seawater cooling
system.
6. Stop the engine.
7. Remove the temporary hose from the seawater pump.
8. Clean the outside of the engine and repaint any areas required with primer and spray paint. After the paint has dried, coat
the engine with the specified corrosion inhibiting oil or equivalent.
Description
Corrosion Guard
Light gray primer
Mercury Diesel White
90-8M0133679 JUNE 2017
eng
NOTICE
a
b
c
Where Used
Outside of engine
Section 5 - Storage
Typical
a - Seawater pump
b - Temporary hose
c - Container of propylene
glycol antifreeze and tap
water
23452
Part Number
92‑802878‑55
92‑802878‑52
8M0108939
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