SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE THAT SHOULD BE PERFORMEDBY A DEALER (CONTINUED)

NOTE: Only perform maintenance which applies to your particular power package.

Task Interval
Whenever insufficient seawater flow is suspected.
Seawater Pickup Pump - Disassemble and inspect
(If operating temperature exceeds normal range.)
Crankcase Oil and Filter Change
Ignition system - Clean and Inspect condition.
Flame Arrestor and Crankcase Ventilation Hose -
Clean and Inspect.
Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) Valve (If So
Equipped) - Change
Stern Drive unit Oil - Change
Gimbal Ring Clamping Screws - Retorque to 40
ft. lb. (54 N·m)
Rear Engine Mounts - Check torque to 30-40 ft. lb.
(47-54 N·m)
Gimbal Bearing - Lubricate
Cooling System - Clean and Inspect
Engine Alignment - Check
Engine Coupling Universal Joint Shaft Splines -
Lubricate End
E d off fifirst b
boating
i season and
d thereafter,
h f every
Steering System - Lubricate and inspect for loose, 100 hours of operation or once yearly
yearly, whichever
damage or missing parts. occurs first.
Electrical System - Check for loose or damaged
wiring.
Cooling System Hoses and Clamps - Inspect for
damage and deterioration. Check Clamps for
tightness.
Closed Cooling System Pressure Cap - Clean,
inspect and test .
Continuity Circuit - Check components for loose
connections, broken or frayed wires.
Shift and Throttle Cable and Linkage - Lubricate
and inspect for loose, damaged or missing parts
Engine Exhaust System - Inspect externally for
damage, deterioration and restrictions. Check for
tightness.
Ignition System - Check Timing and adjust as
needed.

90-823226--1 996 MAINTENANCE - 1B-5

SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE THAT SHOULD BE PERFORMEDBY A DEALER (CONTINUED)

NOTE: Only perform maintenance which applies to your particular power package.

Task Interval
Steering Head and Remote Control - Inspect and
Lubricate. End of first boating season and thereafter, every
Carburetor (If Equipped) - Inspect and adjust. 100 hours of operation or once yearly
yearly, whichever
occurs first.
Throttle Body (EFI Models) - Inspect
Fuel Filters - Replace
Quicksilver Mercathode System - Test output.
Closed Cooling Coolant - Test for Alkalinity O
Once a Year
Y
Heat Exchanger - Clean seawater section.
Drive Unit Bellows and Clamps - Inspect
End of first boating season and thereafter, every
Universal Joint Cross Bearings- Inspect 200 hours of operation or once yearly, whichever
occurs first.
Closed Cooling Coolant - Replace Every Two Years

1B-6 - MAINTENANCE 90-823226--1 996

 Tune-Up Specifications
MODEL MCM 4.3L MCM 4.3 LX
Propshaft Horsepower Ratings 155 175
(Kilowatts) 1 (115) (130)
Number Of Cylinders 6
Displacement 262 Cu. In. (4.3L)
Bore/Stroke 4.00/3.48 (101.6/88.4 mm)
Compression Ratio 9.3:1
Compression Pressure 180 PSI (1241 kPa)
Idle RPM In Neutral 2 650-700
Max RPM (at W.O.T.) 4400-4800
Oil Pressure (at 2000 RPM) 30-55 PSI (207-379 kPa)
Min. Oil Pressure 4 PSI (28 kPa)
Fuel Pump Pressure 3-7 PSI (21-48 kPa)
Electrical System 12 Volt Negative (–) Ground
Min. Battery Cold
375 cca/475 mca/90 Ah
Cranking Amperes
Firing Order 1-6-5-4-3-2
Spark Plug Type AC-MR43T / Champion RV15YC4 / NGK BR6FS
Spark Plug Gap .040 In. (1 mm)
Timing Thunderbolt IV Models 3 8° BTDC
Thunderbolt V Models 3 10° BTDC
Preliminary Idle Mixture 1-1/4 Turn
Thermostat 143° F (62° C)
1 Power Rated in Accordance with NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers’ Association) rating procedures.
2 Measured using an accurate service tachometer and fuel injection engine at operating temperature.
3 Timing must be set using a special procedure as outlined in the appropriate Service Manual. Timing cannot be properly set using
the conventional method.

90-823226--1 996 MAINTENANCE - 1B-7

 Tune-Up Specifications
MCM 4.3LX GEN + MCM 4.3LXH GEN + MCM 262 MAGNUM EFI
MODEL ALPHA AND BRAVO ALPHA AND BRAVO GEN + ALPHA AND
(2 BBL) (4 BBL) BRAVO
Propshaft Ratings
190 (142) 205 (153) 205 (153)
HP.(KW)1
Displacement 262 CID (4.3L)
Bore/Stroke In. (mm) 4.00 x 3.48 (101.6 x 88.4)
Compression Ratio 9.4:1
Compression Pressure 180 PSI (1241 kPa)
Idle RPM In Neutral 2 650 600
Maximum RPM
4400-4800
(at W.O.T.)
Oil Pressure
30-55 PSI (207-379 kPa)
(at 2000 RPM)
Minimum Oil Pressure
4 PSI (28 kPa)
(at Idle)
Fuel Pump Pressure 3-7 PSI (21-48 kPa)
Fuel Pressure
Does Not Apply 30 PSI (207 kPa)
(Running) (E.F.I. Only)
Electrical System 12 V Negative (–) Ground
Minimum Battery
550 cca / 700 mca / 120 Ah
Requirements
Firing Order 1-6-5-4-3-2
AC - MR43LTS
Spark Plug Type Champion RS12YC
NGK BPR6EFS
Spark Plug Gap .045 (1.1 mm)
Timing (at Idle RPM)3 10° BTDC 8° BTDC
Preliminary Idle Mixture 1-1/4 Turns Does Not Apply
Thermostat 160° F (71° C)
1 Power Rated in Accordance with NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers’ Association) rating procedures.
2 Measured using an accurate service tachometer and fuel injection engine at operating temperature.
3 Timing must be set using a special procedure as outlined in the appropriate Service Manual. Timing cannot be properly set using
the conventional method.

Firing Order 72976

1-6-5-4-3-2

1B-8 - MAINTENANCE 90-823226--1 996

 Fluid Capacities

NOTICE
All capacities are approximate fluid measures.

MCM (Stern Drive) Model All Models

Crankcase Oil1 (with filter) 4-1/2 U.S. Qts. (4.3 L)
Seawater Cooling System2 15 U.S. Qts. (14.1 L)
Closed Cooling System 20 U.S. Qts. (19 L)
1Always Use Dipstick to Determine Exact Quantity of Oil Required
2Seawater Cooling System Capacity Information is for Winterization Use Only

90-823226--1 996 MAINTENANCE - 1B-9

20-Hour Break-In Period Fuel, Oil, Fluid, and Coolant
IMPORTANT: The first 20 hours of operation is Specifications
the engine break-in period. Correct break-in is
essential to obtain minimum oil consumption
and maximum engine performance. During this
Fuel
break-in period, the following rules must be ob-
served: ! CAUTION
• Do not operate below 1500 RPM for extended Use of improper gasoline can damage the engine
periods of time for first 10 hours. Shift into gear seriously. Engine damage that results from use
as soon as possible after starting and advance of improper gasoline is considered misuse of the
throttle above 1500 RPM if conditions permit engine and is not covered under MerCruiser War-
safe operation. ranty.

• Do not operate at one speed consistently for USA and Canada

extended periods. Fuel having a posted pump Octane Rating of 87(R +
M)/2 minimum. Premium gasoline [92 (R + M)/2] is
• Do not exceed 3/4 throttle during first 10 hours. also acceptable. DO NOT use leaded gasoline.
During next 10 hours, occasional operation at Outside USA and Canada
full throttle is permissible (5 minutes at a time Fuel having a posted pump Octane Rating of 92 RON
maximum). minimum. Premium gasoline (98 RON) is also
acceptance. If unleaded is not available, use a major
• Avoid full throttle acceleration from idle speed. brand of leaded gasoline.
• Do not operate at full throttle until engine Gasolines containing alcohol, either methyl alcohol
reaches normal operating temperature. (methanol) or ethyl alcohol (ethanol) may cause
increased:
• Frequently check crankcase oil level. Add oil if • Corrosion of metal parts.
needed. It is normal for oil consumption to be
high during break-in period. • Deterioration of elastomer and plastic parts.

• After 20-hour break-in period, drain crankcase • Fuel permeation through flexible fuel lines.
oil and replace oil filter (see “Maintenance”). Fill • Wear and damage of internal engine parts.
crankcase with correct oil (see “Specifica-
tions”). • Starting and operating difficulties.

Some of these adverse effects are due to the

tendency of gasolines containing alcohol to absorb
moisture from the air, resulting in a phase of water
and alcohol separating from the gasoline in the fuel
tank.
The adverse effects of alcohol are more severe with
methyl alcohol (methanol) and are worse with
increasing alcohol content.

1B-10 - MAINTENANCE 90-823226--1 996

 ! WARNING NO LEAD GASOLINE

Fire and Explosion Hazard: Fuel leakage from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and
any part of the fuel system can be a fire and Canadian government regulations require the
explosion hazard which can cause serious removal of lead (anti-knock compound) from all
bodily injury or death. Careful periodic gasoline because lead emission in exhaust is a
inspection of the entire fuel system is mandatory, health hazard.
particularly after storage. All fuel system
In order to maintain octane ratings, many gasoline
components including fuel tanks (whether
manufacturers are adding ethyl alcohol (ethanol) or
plastic, metal or fiberglass), fuel lines, primer
methyl alcohol (methanol) to the gasoline to replace
bulbs, fittings, fuel filters and carburetors should
the lead.
be inspected for leakage, softening, hardening,
swelling or corrosion. Any sign of leakage or The use of any good grade unleaded regular or
deterioration requires replacement before premium gasolines with a minimum posted octane
further engine operation. rating [(A.K.I.) Anti-Knock Index] of 87, are
satisfactory for use in your engine. In areas where
unleaded regular or premium gasolines are not
Because of possible adverse effects of alcohol in
available, a good grade leaded regular with a
gasoline, it is recommended that only
minimum posted octane rating (A.K.I.) of 89 may be
alcohol-free gasoline be used where possible. If
used.
only fuel containing alcohol is available, or if the
presence of alcohol is unknown, increased
inspection frequency for leaks and abnormalities GASOLINE/ALCOHOL BLENDS
is required.
Many new motor vehicle owner manuals are warning
about the potential damage from using gasoline
! WARNING containing alcohol, especially METHANOL. They
cite possible fuel system damage and performance
Avoid gasoline fire or explosion. Improper problems. These are just two of the hazards that may
installation of brass fittings or plugs into fuel be caused by alcohol. These same problems as well
pump or fuel filter base can crack casting and/or as the additional safety risk of fire and explosion from
cause a fuel leak. fuel system leaks apply to marine inboard engines.
METHANOL is more severe in its bad effect than is
IMPORTANT: When operating a MerCruiser ETHANOL. Alcohol is also more severe in older
engine on gasoline containing alcohol, storage engines since newer engines have materials which
of gasoline in the fuel tank for long periods are more resistant to alcohol.
should be avoided. Long periods of storage,
common to boats, create unique problems. In EFFECTS OF GASOLINE/ALCOHOL BLENDS
cars, alcohol-blend fuels normally are consumed ON MARINE ENGINES
before they can absorb enough moisture to
cause trouble, but boats often sit idle long Corrosion of metals may result from use of
enough for phase separation to take place. In alcohol-gasoline blends. Portable or permanently
addition, internal corrosion may take place installed fuel tanks of metal or fiberglass, fuel filters,
during storage if alcohol has washed protective fuel lines and float bowls may be affected by alcohol
oil films from internal components. blended fuels. Many fiberglass fuel tanks are slowly
dissolved by alcohol, leading immediately to filter and
carburetor plugging and eventually to tank failure.

90-823226--1 996 MAINTENANCE - 1B-11

Fuels containing alcohol will absorb moisture from We have recommended pump posting of alcohol
the air. At first, this moisture will remain in solution, content of gasoline. Further we recommend using
but once the water content of the fuel has built up to gasoline known not to contain any METHANOL or
about one-half of one percent, it will separate out ETHANOL when possible.
(phase separation), bringing the alcohol with it. This
alcohol-water mixture settles to the bottom of the fuel TEST FOR ALCOHOL CONTENT IN GASOLINE
tank and if this mixture gets into the engine, the
engine can be seriously damaged internally, as it The following is an acceptable and widely used field
may wash the protective film of oil off the bore of any procedure for the detection of alcohol in gasoline.
cylinder that it enters. Before the engine can be Use any small transparent bottle or tube that can be
restarted, it is necessary to remove the separated capped and is, or can be, provided with graduations
alcohol and water layer, flush out the fuel system with or a mark at about 1/3 full. A pencil mark on a piece
clean fuel and remove and dry the spark plugs. of adhesive tape may be used.
Procedure
BOAT/MOTOR STORAGE
1. Fill the container with water to the mark.
When operating a MerCruiser engine on gasoline
containing alcohol, storage of gasoline in the fuel 2. Add fuel almost to fill the container, leaving some
tank for long periods of time should be avoided. air space, then cap the container. The propor-
tions of fuel to water are not critical, but there
Long periods of storage, common to boats, create should be 2 to 3 times as much fuel as water.
unique problems. In cars, gasoline/alcohol blend
fuels normally are consumed before they can absorb 3. Shake container vigorously and allow it to sit up-
enough moisture to cause trouble, but boats often sit right for 3 to 5 minutes. If the volume of water
idle long enough for phase separation to take place. appears to have increased, alcohol is present. If
In addition, internal corrosion may take place during you are not sure, there is no need for concern. If
storage if alcohol has washed protective oil films from the dividing line between water and fuel becomes
internal components. cloudy, use the middle of the cloudy band.

WINTER STORAGE
Crankcase Oil
If boat is to be placed in winter storage, carburetors To help obtain optimum engine performance and to
must be run dry at idle RPM. Permanent fuel tanks provide maximum protection, we strongly
should be drained completely and Quicksilver recommend the use of Quicksilver 4-Cycle Marine
Gasoline Stabilizer and Conditioner added to any Engine Oil. If not available, a good grade, straight
fuel remaining in the tank. Portable fuel tanks should weight, detergent automotive oil of correct viscosity,
be emptied completely. with an API classification of SF or SG, may be used.
WARRANTY The following chart is a guide to crankcase oil
selection. Oil filter should always be changed with oil.
Performance problems and fuel system or other In those areas where recommended straight weight
damage resulting from the use of gasoline-alcohol oil is not available, a multi-viscosity 20W-40 (SF or
blended fuels are not the responsibility of MerCruiser SG) or, as a second but less preferable choice,
and will not be covered under our warranty. 20W-50 (SF or SG) may be used.

CONTINUING EVALUATIONS

The effects of gasoline with ETHANOL and

METHANOL are still being evaluated by the United
States Coast Guard, the National Marine
Manufacturers Association (NMMA), Mercury
Marine and other engine and boat manufacturers.

1B-12 - MAINTENANCE 90-823226--1 996

IMPORTANT: The use of non-detergent oils, Maintaining Crankcase Oil
multi-viscosity oils (other than 20W-40 or
20W-50), low quality oils or oils which contain Level
solid additives specifically are not
recommended.
Overfilled Engine Crankcase
Overfilled crankcases (oil level being too high ) can
cause a fluctuation or drop in oil pressure and rocker
SAE 40W arm “clatter” on MerCruiser engines. The over-full
SH or CF/CF-2 condition results in the engine crankshaft splashing
SAE 30W
and agitating the oil, causing it to foam (become
SH or CF/CF-2 aerated). The aerated oil causes the hydraulic valve
lifters to “bleed down.” This, in turn, results in rocker
arm “clatter” and loss of engine performance, due to
SAE 20W the valves not opening properly.
SH or CF/CF-2
Care must be taken when checking engine oil level.
Oil level must be maintained between the ADD mark
and the FULL mark on the dipstick. To ensure that
72010 you are not getting a “false reading,” make sure the
following steps are done before checking the oil level.
• Boat “at rest” in the water, or
• If boat is on a trailer, raise or lower bow until
Power Steering Fluid
the boat is setting at the approximate angle that
Use Quicksilver Power Trim and Steering Fluid, or it would be if setting “at rest” in the water.
automatic transmission Fluid (ATF), Dexron, Dexron
II or Dexron III. • Allow sufficient time for oil to drain into the
crankcase if engine has just been run or oil has
just been added.
Coolant for Closed Cooling System

! CAUTION Checking Engine Oil Level/Filling

Alcohol or Methanol base antifreeze or plain wa-
IMPORTANT: ENGINE CRANKCASE OIL MUST
ter, are not recommended for use in fresh water
BE CHECKED AT INTERVALS SPECIFIED IN
section of cooling system at any time.
“MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE” CHART. It is nor-
We recommend that the coolant section of closed mal for an engine to use a certain amount of oil
cooling system be filled with Quicksilver Pre-Mixed in the process of lubrication and cooling of the
Engine Coolant. In areas where the possibility of engine. The amount of oil consumption is greatly
freezing does not exist, it is permissible to use a dependent upon engine speed, with consump-
solution of rust inhibitor and water (mixed to tion being highest at wide-open-throttle and de-
manufacturer’s recommendations). creasing substantially as engine speed is re-
duced.
MerCruiser V-6 engines can use any type of
permanent antifreeze or any brand antifreeze
solution that meets GM specification 1825M.

90-823226--1 996 MAINTENANCE - 1B-13

1. Stop engine and allow boat to come to a rest. Maintaining Power Steering
2. Allow oil to drain back into oil pan - approximately Pump Fluid Level
5 minutes.
3. Remove dipstick. Wipe clean and reinstall. Push
dipstick all the way into dipstick tube. With Engine Warm
4. Remove dipstick and note the oil level. 1. Stop engine and position drive unit so that it is
straight back.
5. Oil level must be between the FULL and ADD
marks. 2. Remove fill cap/dipstick from power steering
pump and note fluid level.
6. If oil level is below ADD mark, proceed to Steps
7 and 8. b a
7. Remove oil filler cap from valve rocker arm cover.
8. Add required amount of oil to bring level up to, but
not over, the FULL mark on dipstick.

Changing Oil and Filter

1. Start engine and run until it reaches normal
operating temperatures.

IMPORTANT: Change oil when engine is warm

from operation, as it flows more freely, carrying
away more impurities.
72517
2. Stop engine.
3. Remove drain plug from oil pan or from oil drain
hose.
a - Fill Cap / Dipstick
NOTE: If drain plug is not accessible because of boat b - Power Steering Pump
construction, oil may be removed through dipstick
tube, using a Quicksilver Crankcase Oil Pump. 3. Level should be between the FULL HOT mark
4. After oil has drained completely, reinstall drain and ADD mark on dipstick.
plug (if removed) and tighten securely.
5. Remove and discard oil filter and its sealing ring.
6. Coat sealing ring on new filter with engine oil, and
install. Tighten filter securely (following filter man-
ufacturer’s instructions). Do not over-tighten.
7. Fill crankcase with oil.
8. Start engine and check for leaks. a

72518

a - Proper Fluid Level With Engine Warm

1B-14 - MAINTENANCE 90-823226--1 996

4. If level is below ADD mark, but fluid is still visible 1. With engine stopped, position drive unit so that it
in pump reservoir, add required amount of Quick- is straight back. Remove fill cap/dipstick from
silver Power Trim and Steering Fluid or automatic power steering pump. Add Quicksilver Power
transmission fluid (ATF), Dexron, or Dexron II, Trim and Steering Fluid or automatic transmis-
through fill cap opening, to bring level up to FULL sion fluid (ATF), Dexron, Dexron II, or Dexron III
HOT mark on dipstick. DO NOT OVERFILL. as required, to bring level up to FULL COLD mark
on dipstick.
5. If fluid is not visible in reservoir, a leak exists in the
power steering system. Find cause and correct. IMPORTANT: Use only Quicksilver Power Trim
and Steering Fluid or automatic transmission
fluid (ATF), Dexron, Dexron II and Dexron III in
With Engine Cold power steering system.

1. With engine stopped, position drive unit so that it 2. Turn steering wheel back and forth to end of
is straight back. travel in each direction several times, then
recheck fluid level and add fluid, if necessary.
2. Remove fill cap/dipstick from power steering
pump and note fluid level. 3. Install vented fill cap.

3. Level should be between FULL COLD mark and ! CAUTION

bottom of dipstick.
DO NOT operate engine without water being
supplied to seawater pickup pump, or pump im-
peller may be damaged and subsequent over-
heating damage to engine may result.

4. Start engine and run at fast idle (1000-1500

RPM) until engine reaches normal operating
temperature. During this time, turn steering
a wheel back and forth to end of travel in each di-
72519
rection several times.
5. Position drive unit so that it is straight back and
a - Proper Fluid Level With Engine Cold stop engine. Remove fill cap from pump. Allow
any foam in pump reservoir to disperse, then
4. If level is below bottom of dipstick, but fluid is still check fluid level and add fluid, as required, to
visible in pump reservoir, add required amount of bring level up to FULL HOT mark on dipstick. DO
Quicksilver Power Trim and Steering Fluid or au- NOT OVERFILL. Reinstall fill cap securely.
tomatic transmission fluid (ATF), Dexron, Dexron
II, or Dexron III through fill cap opening, to bring IMPORTANT: Drive unit must be positioned
level up to FULL COLD mark on dipstick. DO straight back and power steering fluid must be
NOT OVERFILL. hot to accurately check fluid level.

If fluid is not visible in reservoir, a leak exists in the 6. If fluid is still foamy (in Step 5), repeat Steps 4 and
power steering system. Find cause and correct. 5 until fluid does not foam and level remains
constant.

Filling and Bleeding Power

Steering System
IMPORTANT: Power steering system must be
filled exactly as explained in the following to be
sure that all air is bled from the system. All air
must be removed, or fluid in pump may foam
during operation and be discharged from pump
reservoir. Foamy fluid also may cause power
steering system to become spongy, which may
result in poor boat control.

90-823226--1 996 MAINTENANCE - 1B-15

Maintaining Closed Cooling Flushing Cooling System
Coolant Level If engine is operated in salty, polluted, or
mineral-laden water, flush cooling system
(preferably after each use) to reduce corrosion and
! WARNING prevent the accumulation of deposits in the system.
Thoroughly flush cooling system prior to storage.
Allow engine to cool down before removing
pressure cap. Sudden loss of pressure could
cause hot coolant to boil and discharge violently. ! WARNING
After engine has cooled, turn cap 1/4 turn to allow
any pressure to escape slowly, then push down When flushing cooling system with boat out of
and turn cap all the way off. the water, be certain that area in vicinity of
propeller is clear and that no person is standing
nearby. As a precautionary measure, it is
1. Coolant level in heat exchanger should be full (to recommended that propeller be removed.
bottom of filler neck).

IMPORTANT: When reinstalling pressure cap, be

! CAUTION
sure to tighten it until it contacts stop on filler
neck. To prevent engine or stern drive unit damage DO
2. Coolant level should be between the ADD and NOT run engine or drive unit without water being
FULL marks on coolant recovery reservoir with supplied to water intake openings on gear hous-
the engine at normal operating temperature. ing, and to seawater pickup pump if so equipped.

1. Follow instructions appropriate to your model:

NOTE: If flushing cooling system with boat in water,
raise drive unit to trailer position and install flushing
a attachment. Lower drive unit to full IN/DOWN posi-
tion.
a. All Models:
(1) Install Quicksilver Flushing Attachment
(or equivalent) over water intake open-
ings in gear housing.
(2) Connect hose between flushing attach-
ment and water tap.

72520

a - Coolant Recovery Reservoir a

72012

a - Quicksilver Flushing Attachment

b - Garden Hose

1B-16 - MAINTENANCE 90-823226--1 996

 b. Models Equipped with Belt Driven Seawa- 2. Partially open water tap(s) (approximately 1/2
ter Pickup Pump: In addition to supplying maximum capacity) and allow drive unit and cool-
water to the drive (as previously outlined for ing system to fill completely. Do not use full tap
“All Models”), perform the following. water pressure.

! CAUTION
If cooling system is to be flushed with boat in the
water, seacock (if so equipped) must be closed,
or water inlet hose must be disconnected and
plugged to prevent water from flowing into boat.

(1) Close seacock (if so equipped) or discon-

nect and plug seawater inlet hose.
(2) Loosen hose clamp and remove seawa-
ter inlet hose at location shown. Connect
an additional tap water hose to inlet fitting a
using an appropriate adaptor.

72672

b
72532

a
c
a - Quicksilver Flushing Attachment
b - Water To Drive Unit
c - Water To Seawater Pump (If So Equipped)

c NOTE: Drive unit is full when water is discharged out

of drive unit, and/or seawater section of closed
cooled system is full when water is discharged
through propeller.

! CAUTION

d Do not run engine above 1500 RPM when flush-

ing. Suction created by seawater pickup pump
71843
may collapse flushing hose, causing engine to
a - Seawater Pickup Pump overheat.
b - Seawater Inlet Hose
c - Adaptor
d - Tap Water Hose

90-823226--1 996 MAINTENANCE - 1B-17

3. Place remote control lever in NEUTRAL position Lubrication
and start the engine.
Lubricate pivot points with SAE 30W motor oil and
! CAUTION cable guide contact surfaces with Quicksilver 2-4-C
Marine Lubricant.
Watch temperature gauge at dash to ensure the
engine does not overheat.
Throttle Cable
4. Operate engine at idle speed in NEUTRAL gear
for 10 minutes or until discharge water is clear, 2 BARREL CARBURETOR
then stop engine.
5. Shut off water tap(s).
6. Follow instructions appropriate to your model:
b
NOTE: If flushing cooling system with boat in water,
raise drive unit to trailer position, to remove flushing
attachment. Lower drive unit to full IN/DOWN posi-
tion after completion.

a. All Models: Remove hose and flushing at-

tachment from drive unit.

b. Models Equipped with Belt Driven Seawa-

a
ter Pickup Pump: Remove hose and flush-
72013
ing attachment from pump inlet.
7. Follow instructions “a” or “b.”
a - Pivot Points
! CAUTION b - Guide Contact Surface

If boat is in the water, seacock (if so equipped) 4 BARREL CARBURETOR

must remain closed until engine is to be re-
started, to prevent contaminated water from
flowing back into cooling system. If boat is not b
fitted with a seacock, water inlet hose must re-
main disconnected and plugged, to prevent wa-
ter from flowing into cooling system and/or boat.
As a precautionary measure, attach a tag to the
ignition switch or steering wheel with the warn-
ing that the seacock must be opened or the water
inlet hose reconnected prior to starting the en-
gine.

a. If equipped with seacock: Observing a

precaution above, open seacock.

b. If NOT equipped with seacock: Observing

precaution above, remove plug from
seawater inlet hose and reconnect seawater 72014
inlet hose. Tighten hose clamps securely.

a - Pivot Points
b - Guide Contact Surface

1B-18 - MAINTENANCE 90-823226--1 996

THROTTLE BODY FUEL INJECTION IMPORTANT: Stern Drive Unit does not have to be
removed to grease coupler.

NOTE: Refer to MerCruiser Stern Drive Service

Manual for stern drive unit removal and installation if
b necessary.

a
b
a
74912 72017

a - Pivot Points a - Quicksilver Engine Coupler Spline Grease

b - Guide Contact Surface b - Use Grease Fitting if Drive is Installed

Shift Cable
b
a

b
a
72015 72530

a - Quicksilver Engine Coupler Spline Grease (If Drive Has

a - Pivot Points Been Removed)
b - Guide Contact Surface

Engine Coupler/U-Joint Shaft Splines

Lubricate coupler and splines with Quicksilver
Engine Coupler Spline Grease (92- 816391A4).

90-823226--1 996 MAINTENANCE - 1B-19

Audio Warning System Cold Weather or Extended
Storage
Maintenance
Maintenance inspection is the owner’s responsibility
Precautions
and must be performed at intervals specified,
following: ! WARNING
Fresh Water Areas - Every 50 Hours of operation or 60
days (whichever comes first) BE CAREFUL while working on fuel system;
Salt Water Areas - Every 25 hours of operation or 30 gasoline is extremely flammable and highly
days (whichever comes first) explosive under certain conditions. Be sure that
ignition key is OFF and do not smoke or allow
NOTE: Operation in salt water is considered severe
sources of spark and/or open flames in the area.
service.
1. Check buzzer mounting screws, heat switch and
oil pressure switch for adequate tightness. Tight- ! WARNING
en, if loose, but DO NOT over-tighten.
To prevent a potential fire hazard, be sure that
2. Check all wiring connections to be sure that they
are tight and sealed where necessary. engine compartment is well ventilated and that
there are no gasoline vapors present during
starting or fogging of engine.

! CAUTION
DO NOT operate engine without water flowing
through seawater pickup pump, as pump impel-
ler may be damaged and subsequent overheat-
ing damage to engine or stern drive unit may re-
sult.

! CAUTION
Seawater section of cooling system MUST BE
COMPLETELY drained for winter storage, or im-
mediately after cold weather use, if the possibil-
ity of freezing temperatures exists. Failure to
comply may result in trapped water causing
freeze and/or corrosion damage to engine.

! CAUTION
If boat is in the water, seacock (water inlet valve),
if so equipped, must be closed until engine is to
be re-started, to prevent water from flowing back
into cooling system and/or boat. If boat is not
fitted with a seacock, water inlet hose must be
disconnected and plugged to prevent water from
flowing back into cooling system and/or boat. As
a precautionary measure, attach a tag to the igni-
tion switch or steering wheel of the boat with the
warning that the seacock must be opened or the
water inlet hose reconnected prior to starting en-
gine.

1B-20 - MAINTENANCE 90-823226--1 996