Mercruiser 5.0 MPI Starboard drain plug access tips/tricks?

jsharp2000

Recruit
Joined
Oct 17, 2018
Messages
1
I can't seem to access the two drain plugs on the starboard side of my 5.0 MPI Mercruiser. I put a quick video showing my setup. Are there any tricks to getting into this tight spot that I'm not thinking of? https://youtu.be/1s4s0rjejdM
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
Joined
Jul 23, 2011
Messages
51,399
welcome aboard.

hang upside down over the motor

you may have to unbolt the bulkhead and the panels to the sides of the motor
 

alldodge

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Mar 8, 2009
Messages
43,350
Could use the motor serial number to verify things

That motor is wedged in there, and may need to remove the alternator to provide enough room to get in. Either that or find someone with smaller hands. If your hand is being stopped by the manifold water hose, remove it

Looks like you have what is called the 3 point drain system with a Bravo out drive. The one your not able to get to is the seawater pump drain. Another thing to note, is the fuel module (also on starboard side) needs to be drained.
 

Lou C

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 10, 2002
Messages
13,424
I would remove all those bulkheads and get them out of the way. That's what I do on mine, and while taking out the back seat and removing them takes about 10 min it makes the rest of the job much easier.
 

QBhoy

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Mar 10, 2016
Messages
8,348
It’s just out of shot, if it’s there, but do you not have a blue handle on the front port side of the engine ? The multi point drain system ? Perhaps someone has disconnected it previously ? The drain you show on the front of engine down low is where that normally drains to bilge through an orange hose.
 
Top