Mercury 8.1S Horizon, Product Applications Manual

Page: 160 / 163

Predelivery Preparation
90-863758060 AUGUST 2006 Page 10A-7
Draining the Cooling System
!
CAUTION
Seawater section of cooling system must be completely drained for winter storage, or
immediately after cold weather use, if the possibility of freezing temperatures exist.
Failure to comply may result in trapped water causing freeze and/or corrosion damage
to engine. Damage caused by freezing is not covered by the Mercury MerCruiser Limited
Warranty.
Protect the engine against corrosion and freeze damage. Flush and drain all water from
the engine cooling system after performing the
Predelivery Inspection Checklist . The
cooling system should be drained prior to shipment even during warm temperature periods.
This will avoid controversies with your dealers as to who is responsible for any freeze
damage problems that may occur due to the engine not getting drained prior to shipment
at Mercury MerCruiser as well as at your facility.
Specific flushing and draining instructions are provided in the Operation, Maintenance and
Warranty manual that accompanies each engine. On closed cooled models, only the
seawater section of closed cooling system need be drained provided that the proper
mixture of antifreeze and water is used in the closed cooling section to protect engine to
lowest temperature to which it will be exposed. Do not forget to drain the sea strainer and
mufflers (if applicable), which are not included in our draining instructions.
IMPORTANT: The boat must be as level as possible to ensure complete draining of the
cooling system.
IMPORTANT: Mercury MerCruiser recommends that propylene glycol (a nontoxic and
environmentally safe) antifreeze be used in the seawater section of the cooling system as
an additional measure against corrosion and freeze damage. Make sure that propylene
glycol antifreeze contains a rust inhibitor and is recommended for use in marine engines.
Be certain to follow the antifreeze manufacturer's recommendations.
!
CAUTION
If the boat is in the water, the seacock must remain closed until the engine is to be
restarted to prevent water from flowing back into the cooling system or the boat. If the
boat is not fitted with a seacock, leave the water inlet hose disconnected and plugged to
prevent water from flowing back into the cooling system or the boat. As a precautionary
measure, attach a tag to the ignition switch or steering wheel of the boat with the warning:
Open the seacock or reconnect the water inlet hose before starting the engine.
Engine Corrosion Protection
All engines that will be subjected to a corrosive environment during shipment should be
sprayed with Corrosion Guard. Corrosion Guard is specially formulated to provide a
protective barrier against the corrosive elements to keep the power package looking like
new. Refer to application instructions on the Corrosion Guard container.
Disconnecting the Battery
All battery cables should be disconnected from battery for shipment. Some regulations
require that the battery be shipped dry (without electrolyte). Check applicable regulations.