MerCruiser 3.0 TKS, User Manual

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Section 5 - Maintenance
90-8M0053372
eng
NOVEMBER 2010 Page 73
b. Install the appropriate flushing attachment over the water inlet holes in the gear housing.
c. Lower sterndrive unit to full down/in position.
2. If flushing the cooling system with the boat out of the water:
a. Lower sterndrive unit to full down/in position.
!
WARNING
Rotating propellers can cause serious injury or death. Never operate the boat out of the water with a propeller installed.
Before installing or removing a propeller, place the drive unit in neutral and engage the lanyard stop switch to prevent the
engine from starting. Place a block of wood between the propeller blade and the anti‑ventilation plate.
b. Remove propeller.
c. Install the appropriate flushing attachment over the water inlet holes in the gear housing.
3. Connect hose between flushing attachment and water source.
4. Close the seacock, if equipped, to prevent water from siphoning into the engine or boat.
5. Remove the seawater inlet hose from the seawater pump and plug the hose to prevent water from siphoning into the
engine or boat.
6147
6. Using a suitable adapter, connect the flushing hose from the water source to the water inlet of the seawater pump.
NOTICE
Without sufficient cooling water, the engine, the water pump, and other components will overheat and suffer damage. Provide
a sufficient supply of water to the water inlets during operation.
7. With sterndrive unit in normal operating position, open the water source fully.
8. Place the remote control in neutral idle speed position and start engine.
NOTICE
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. Slowly advance throttle until 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 engine with sterndrive in neutral for about 10 minutes or until discharge water is clear.
12. Slowly return throttle to idle speed position.
13. Stop engine.
14. Shut off the water and remove flushing attachments.
15.
If the boat is out of the water:
Install the water inlet hose to the aft side of the seawater pump. Tighten the hose clamp
securely.
16.
If the boat is in the water:
Tag the ignition switch with an appropriate tag requiring the seawater inlet hose to be
reconnected prior to operating engine.