Twist valve?

[Rwebber77]

Started my 1988 4.3L Mercruiser today only to find out it was idling VERY rough and shaking violently. Had it winterized by a pro last fall so I assumed all would be turn key, wrong! I started looking around the engine and found that a plug wire was just sitting on the cap, not properly seated. Also on startup the engine let out a squeal. At first I figured it was the alternator under load, but the belt seems loose and is pretty worn so I changed that as well.

Now for my question. When looking around I noticed a little blue valve right above the front starboard motor mount. Any idea what it is for and should it be turned?

The hose from the valve runs here.

Thank you!

 

[cooter2506]

Re: Twist valve?

That is drain plug for winterizing.

 

[Don S]

Re: Twist valve?

The blue wingnut is a drain valve. There are 4 or 5 on your engine. That is where the water is drained from the engine and the manifolds during winterization.

As far as a plug wire being off. It probably got pulled out during winterizqtion. Put it back on. When an engine is fogged and drained, there is no way a dealer can test run it to make sure everything is ok or he would have to winterize it again..

 

[Rwebber77]

Re: Twist valve?

I appreciate the info as always. Still learning all about my "new to me" boat.