Seawater Connections - General Information - Mercury SKI Instruction Manual

Seawater Connections - General Information

SEAWATER PICKUP AND HOSE
IMPORTANT: DO NOT install water pickup directly in line with propeller as pickup
may create turbulence and allow air to flow into the "propeller slipstream." This will
cause propeller ventilation and will adversely affect boat performance.
Water pickup must be large enough to permit sufficient water flow to engine seawater pickup
pump for adequate engine cooling. Pickup also must supply a positive head while underway.
Water pickup should be located as close to seawater pickup pump inlet as possible and in
an area where an uninterrupted, solid stream of water will flow past when boat is underway.
Water inlet hose connections must be made with wire reinforced hose of adequate wall
thickness to prevent it from collapsing from pump suction. Be sure to secure hose connec-
tions with hose clamps. Secure hose to prevent contact with any moving parts of the engine.
Select the proper hose from the following chart:
Gasoline Engines
SEACOCK SIZE
Seacock used must have an internal cross-sectional area equal to or greater than seawater
hose to prevent restricting water flow. A brass ball or gate valve is required. Select a proper
seacock based on the following chart:
Gasoline Engines
Install the seacock in an area where it will be easily accessible and supported adequately
to prevent hose fatigue.
SEA STRAINER
Strainer used must be of sufficient size to ensure that an adequate supply of water will be
maintained for cooling engine. Select a properly rated seawater strainer based on the fol-
lowing chart:
Gasoline Engines
1
Amounts listed are in gallons per minute and (liters per minute).
The seawater strainer should be installed in an area where it will be easily accessible for
inspection and cleaning. The strainer should be installed in water inlet hose after the sea-
cock (water inlet valve) to allow operator to shut off water when cleaning strainer.
Seawater Pickup Hose Inner Diameter
(Internal Cross-Sectional Area Equal to or Greater Than Size Shown)
Seawater Strainer Minimum Flow Rate
1-1/4 in. (32 mm)
Seacock Size
1-1/4 in. (32 mm)
30 (114)
GASOLINE ENGINES SKI MODELS
1
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