Cold Weather Or Extended Storage; Preparing Power Package For Storage - Mercury MerCruiser Owner's Manual

Section 6 - 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.
Water trapped in the seawater section of the cooling system can cause corrosion or
freeze damage. Drain the seawater section of the cooling system immediately after
operation or before any length of storage in cold weather. If the boat is in the water, keep
the seacock closed until restarting the engine to prevent water from flowing back into the
cooling system. If the boat is not fitted with a seacock, leave the water inlet hose
disconnected and plugged.
NOTE: As a precautionary measure, attach a tag to the key switch or steering wheel of the
boat reminding the operator to open the seacock or unplug and reconnect the water inlet
hose before starting the engine.
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. Supply cooling water to engine. Refer to the Maintenace section
5. 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.
6. Change the oil and oil filter.
7. Prepare the engine and fuel system for storage. Refer to Engine and Fuel System
Preparation.
8. Drain the engine seawater cooling system. Refer to Draining the Seawater System.
Water trapped in the seawater section of the cooling system can cause corrosion or
freeze damage. Drain the seawater section of the cooling system immediately after
operation or before any length of storage in cold weather. If the boat is in the water, keep
the seacock closed until restarting the engine to prevent water from flowing back into the
cooling system. If the boat is not fitted with a seacock, leave the water inlet hose
disconnected and plugged.
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NOTICE
NOTICE
90-899883295 JUNE 2008