Section 5 - Maintenance
Page 112
90-899883154 JANUARY 2008
STERNDRIVE WATER PICKUPS
There are two types of water pickups available on Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives: dual
water, and side pickups. Dual water pickups require the flushing attachment (44357Q 2)
and the flush seal kit (881150K 1), and side pickups require the flushing attachment
(44357Q 2).
5752
5773
Dual Water Pickup
Side Pickup
NOTE: Flushing is needed only for salty, brackish, mineral laden or polluted water
applications. Flushing is recommended after each outing for best results.
NOTICE
Flushing the engine with the boat in the water can cause seawater to flow into the engine,
resulting in engine damage. Close the seacock before flushing the engine. Keep the
seacock closed until starting the engine.
1. On seawater cooled models: Proceed to Step 3. or Step 4.
2.
On Bravo closed cooled models using the sterndrive seawater inlet and a
through-hull or through-transom alternative water pickup:
Flushing water will need
to be supplied to only the sterndrive by taking the following steps to block, or disconnect
and block, the hose from the alternative seawater pickup pump inlet Y‑fitting.
a.
If equipped with a seacock, close the seacock in the hose from the alternative
water pickup.
b.
If not equipped with a seacock, disconnect the hose from the alternative water
pickup and plug both ends.
c.
If there is not a hose running to the transom, refer to
Alternative Water
Pickups
.
3. If flushing the cooling system with the boat in the water:
a.
Raise sterndrive to trailer position.
b.
Install the appropriate flushing attachment over the water inlet holes in the gear
housing.
c.
Lower sterndrive to full down (in) position.
4. If flushing the cooling system with the boat out of the water:
a.
Lower sterndrive to full down (in) position.
