Cold Weather Or Extended Storage - Mercury 496 MAG Bravo Owner's Manual

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Cold Weather And Extended Storage
IMPORTANT: Mercury MerCruiser strongly recommends that this service should be performed by an
authorized Mercury MerCruiser dealer. Damage caused by freezing IS NOT covered by the Mercury Mer-
Cruiser Limited Warranty.
Sterndrive unit should be stored in the full DOWN position. Universal joint bellows may develop a "set"
if unit is stored in raised position and may fail when unit is returned to service.
IMPORTANT: Mercury MerCruiser recommends that propylene glycol antifreeze (a nontoxic and envi-
ronmentally safe antifreeze) be used in the seawater section of the cooling system for cold weather or
extended storage. Ensure that the propylene glycol antifreeze contains a rust inhibitor and is recom-
mended for use in marine engines. Be certain to follow the propylene glycol manufacturer's recommen-
dations.
The seawater section of the cooling system MUST BE COMPLETELY drained for winter storage, or im-
mediately after cold weather use, if the possibility of freezing temperatures exist. Failure to comply
may result in trapped water causing freeze and/or corrosion damage to the engine. Damage caused
by freezing is NOT covered by the Mercury MerCruiser Limited Warranty.
Preparing Your Power Package For Storage
1
Fill the fuel tanks with fresh gasoline (that does not contain alcohol) and a sufficient amount of Mercury Fuel
System Treatment and Stabilizer 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 Quicksilver Gasoline Stabilizer for
Marine Engines added to any fuel remaining in the tank.
NOTE: If desired, a portable fuel tank can be used to perform the remainder of the power package lay up proce-
dures. Be sure to add an appropriate amount of Gasoline Stabilizer to the portable tank.
3
Flush the cooling system.
4
Change the oil and oil filter.
CAUTION
CAUTION
INDEX
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