Mercury MERCRUISER, Service Manual, Page: 64 / 566

7. With the sterndrive 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 the throttle until the 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 the engine with the sterndrive in neutral for about 10 minutes or until discharge water is clear.
12. Slowly return the throttle to the idle speed position.
13. Stop the engine.
14. Shut off the water and remove the 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 the engine.
SeaCore Power Package Flushing Procedure
NOTE: Flushing is needed only for salt, brackish, mineral‑laden or polluted water applications. Flushing is recommended after
each outing for best results.
IMPORTANT: Flushing the SeaCore power package with the boat and sterndrive in the water is less effective. Flushing the
SeaCore power package is most effective when performed with the boat and sterndrive out of the water, such as on a boat lift
or trailer.
Models Using the Sterndrive Water Pickup
IMPORTANT: The system is designed to flush the Bravo sterndrive and the engine with one water source. Do not block or
remove the inlet water hose from the sterndrive to the engine.
NOTE: Engines with the sterndrive water inlet blocked off at the gimbal housing: refer to
Alternative Water Pickups
.
!
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.
IMPORTANT: Do not allow the engine to pull air or seawater from alternative water pickup sources during the flushing
procedure. If equipped, ensure that all alternative water inlet hoses are plugged at both ends.
1. Remove the boat from the water.
2. Close the seacock, if equipped.
For visual clarity, the seacock shown is not installed
a - Hose fitting to engine
b - Seacock
c - Handle (closed position)
d - To water source pickup attachment
3. If equipped with an alternative water pickup and not equipped with a seacock, disconnect the water hose from the
alternative water pickup and plug both ends, excluding the Bravo sterndrive.
4. Ensure that the inlet water hose from the sterndrive to the engine is connected.
5. Remove the quick‑connect fitting from the parts bag supplied with the engine.
a
c
b
d
18510
Maintenance
Page 1C-48 © 2016 Mercury Marine 90-8M0099748 eng DECEMBER 2015