Mercruiser draining

[tinstaafl]

Going to pop the boat in the water this week, assuming we can get there through the snow. We have thermostats and tube heaters for the engine compartment but being a paranoid kind of chap, I'd still like to drain the engine of water before we leave.

I have the engine manual and it seems reasonably straight forward but then manuals always give that impression, don't they. Does anyone do this and how easy is it really? Can you actually get to the little blue plugs or is it actually impossible?

The engine is a carbed 4.3L mercruiser of 2002 vintage.

tinstaafl

 

[Alistairr]

Just too add, ' In a 19' Fletcher..'

Sorry i can't help you, but someone should be along in a minute who can.

Also,ref Overnighting....
Don't forget, The Whisky will keep you warm at night as well, and don't forget to cuddle up to loved ones!!!

Cheers

Ali.

 

[mercman]

Easy enough!!
First draining the block....one blue bung just next to the starter motor. Next one on the port side of block 3" to the left of the oil filter.
Then there are 2 on the exhaust manifolds....1 each side. Easiest way to find them is on the thermostat there are 4 hoses on the front side there is a 1" pipe with a 2.5" pipe opposite it. Then directly behind 2 1"diameter pipes follow these back. They go off under the manifolds and there are your drain bungs.
There maybe one on the 2.5"diameter pipe on the front of the engine.

 

[tinstaafl]

Thx mercman.

Do I need to disconnect the raw water inlet to stop it siphoning or is this unable to happen?

tinstaafl

 

[mercman]

No it wont siphon. Your ok boat wont sink just remember to put the bungs back in. Maybe advisable to take some spare bungs/o-rings. Sometimes if the engine installation is awkward you can cross thread the bungs so its precationary.