MerCruiser 3.0 TKS, User Manual

Page: 88 / 112

Section 6 - Storage
Page 80 90-8M0053372
eng
NOVEMBER 2010
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.
NOTICE
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 freezing temperatures. 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. Ensure 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.
IMPORTANT: In order to run the engine as required in the remainder of the storage preparation procedure, water must be
supplied to the engine as described in the flushing procedure.
4. Provide cooling water to the engine as done in the previous step.
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
.
NOTICE
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 freezing temperatures. 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.
9. Ensure that the sterndrive vent holes and water drain holes and passages are unobstructed and open (refer to
Draining
Instructions
).
10. For additional assurance against freezing and rust, after draining, fill the cooling system with propylene glycol mixed to the
manufacturer's recommendation to protect engine to the lowest temperature to which it will be exposed during freezing
temperatures or extended storage.
NOTICE
The universal joint bellows may develop a set when stored in a raised or up position, causing the bellows to fail when
returned to service and allowing water to enter the boat. Store the sterndrive in the full down position.
11. Store boat with drive unit in full down/in position.
12. Store the battery according to the manufacturer's instructions.