Newbie with a couple mercruiser 3.0L questions

Rpm06

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Joined
May 6, 2020
Messages
4
Hey guys/gals newbie here. I am always on the site and have learned a ton for everyone and I appreciate it. Just a couple questions I can’t seem to find.
I have a 2009 Tahoe Q4SS, I am doing a tune up, spark plugs, oil change. And I see the blue handle to drain the block, I know that’s usually done to winterize it but I’ve never done it before. Can I do that right before going to the lake this weekend? Also how is it done or what do I need to do? It has never been done before.

next question is does anyone know what this plug is behind the carburetor on the head? Right behind the throttle linkage.
thanks for any help
 

alldodge

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Mar 8, 2009
Messages
43,323
Howdy, I bet the Q4SS is a nice ride. Could have all kinds of fun on it.
Knowing what kind of boat you have does us no good to help, we need what motor it has, and serial numbers are best
 

Rpm06

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Joined
May 6, 2020
Messages
4
Thanks, it’s not a bad ride. Sorry I guess that would help ha! It’s a mercruiser 3.0tks. S/n 1A323162
 

Rpm06

Recruit
Joined
May 6, 2020
Messages
4
Awesome yea that does help. And I assume it’s ok to do that now and still take the boat out? Or is it for winterizing only?
 

alldodge

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Can do it anytime, just depends on how much work you want to do
 

Rpm06

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May 6, 2020
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4
Awesome I appreciate all the help. I know it hasn’t been done in about 2 years so I better go and do it to be safe before my trip.
 

Rick Stephens

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Aug 13, 2013
Messages
6,118
Winterizing is done to prevent problems from cold temperatures and being parked for x number of weeks. Sounds like what you need to do is the annual maintenance requirements and not the winterizing for cold part or prepping the fuel system to sit for a couple months.

I do not believe you need to drain your cooling system to take it out safely. I do believe you should hook up to a hose using 'muffs' and run things to test before getting out on the water. And before that, I'd suggest you do oil changes, inspections, grease u-joints and whatnot from the annual maintenance list in the manual. Then fire up on muffs and make sure you have full water flow and everything runs right.
 
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