Mercury 2.8 Diesel, Operation & Maintenance Manual

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Section 4 - Maintenance
Page 64 90-8M0113987
eng
DECEMBER 2015
c. Screw the strainer cover on.
a - Strainer cove
b - Strainer basket
c - Seal
7. Open the seacock, if equipped, or remove the plug and reconnect the seawater inlet hose.
8. Upon first starting the engine, check for leaks or air in the system that would indicate an external leak.
Flushing the Seawater System—Sterndrive Models
Flushing the seawater system with fresh water is needed only for applications operating in saltwater, brackish water, polluted
water, or water with a high mineral content to avoid salt or silt buildup. For best results we recommend flushing the seawater
system after each outing. After each operation in saltwater and before storage, the seawater cooling system must be flushed.
With the Boat out of the Water
1. Lower the sterndrive to the 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.
2. Remove the propeller. See
Propellers
.
3. Install the appropriate flushing attachment over the water inlet holes in the gear housing.
21081
Dual water pickup Side pickup
37287
a
b
c