The Boat In The Water-Alternative Water Pickups - Mercury MerCruiser Owner's Manual

Section 5 - Maintenance
Flushing the engine when it is not operating will result in water collecting in the exhaust
system, damaging the engine. Do not supply flush water for more than 15 seconds without
the engine operating.
6. With the sterndrive in the normal operating position, completely open the water source
to provide maximum water supply.
7. Place the remote control in the neutral idle speed position.
8. Immediately start the engine.
Operating the engine out of the water at high speeds creates suction, which can collapse
the water supply hose and overheat the engine. Do not operate the engine above 1400
RPM out of the water and without sufficient cooling water supply.
9. Depress the throttle‑only button and slowly advance the throttle until the engine
reaches 1300 RPM (± 100 RPM).
10. Observe the water temperature gauge to ensure that the engine is operating in the
normal range.
11. Operate the engine with the sterndrive in neutral for a minimum of 10 minutes.
12. For engine packages operated in saltwater, brackish water, mineral‑laden water, or
polluted water, continue to operate the engine until the discharge water is clear.
13. Slowly return the throttle to the idle speed position.
14. Stop the engine.
15. Immediately shut off the supply water and remove the flushing attachment.
16. Install the water inlet hose to the seawater inlet of the seawater pump. Tighten the hose
clamp securely.
17. Install the propeller. Refer to the appropriate Mercury MerCruiser sterndrive service
manual.
The Boat in the Water—Alternative Water Pickups
IMPORTANT: Flushing the power package is most effective when performed with the boat
and sterndrive out of the water.
IMPORTANT: Flushing is needed if the engine package has been operated in saltwater,
brackish water, mineral‑laden water, or polluted water. For best results flushing is
recommended after each outing and before cold weather and extended storage.
1. Lower the sterndrive to the full down/in position.
Disconnecting the seawater inlet hose will cause water to enter the bilge resulting in
engine damage. Close the seacock before disconnecting the seawater inlet hose. Plug
the seawater inlet hose immediately after disconnecting it.
2. Close the seacock, if equipped, then disconnect the seawater inlet hose to prevent
water from siphoning into the engine or boat.
3. If not equipped with a seacock, disconnect the seawater inlet hose from the seawater
pump and immediately plug the hose to prevent water from siphoning into the engine
or boat.
4. Using a suitable adapter, connect the flushing hose from the water source to the water
inlet of the seawater pump.
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NOTICE
NOTICE
NOTICE
90-899883295 JUNE 2008