Re: Flushing 3.0L Mercruiser
For winterizing here's what i've found easiest from experience. All you'll need is a 2 ft piece of hose of same diameter to that which runs from transom to the thermostat housing. This is the raw water supply hose feeding the motor. Get it from any part's store, along with a hose clamp, and funnel. Cost is less than $5.<br /><br />Find and remove coolant drain plugs on block and on manifold (only one manifold so it's easy). On my 2002 there are two blue hoses that have quick disconnect fittings on the end, which make it super easy. Drain out all the raw water from block and manifold then replace plugs. Disconnect that hose running from transom to the thermo housing, at the thermostat housing. Connect your 2 foot length of hose you bought to the thermostat housing. Remove belt around water pump pulley so you can turn pulley by hand. Pour antifreeze into your new hose on thermo housing while turning water pump by hand clockwise to help circulate it. Your done when you see a good amount exit the exhaust ports from the transom/outdrive. Secure this hose up somehow to keep antifreeze from pouring out. Try and keep it higher than the entire exhaust manifold to ensure antifreeze stays in there. Pour some, or the remaining, antifreeze into the disconnected hose coming from transom till it comes out the water inlet holes on the lower part of outdrive. Re-attach the belt going around water pump. Next year all you have to do is connect the one hose on the thermo housing and you're good. Keep the outdrive tilted all the way down to prevent water from collecting in the propshaft area and freezing. If you have to keep it tilted up then cover it well to keep water from freezing in there and cracking something, or remove the outdrive and store indoors.
