Engine drain on 4.3 merc

[jmarty10]

This is my fourth year of boat ownership and I as I read more posts I learn alot and build more confidence. I have 2008 4.3l merc with and alpha one drive that is raw water cooled. Yesterday, I sucessfully changed the engine oil and gear lube. I also opened up all five blue drain plugs to my engine. It gushed water from all areas (This is good) I know from reading posts that all the water my not be drained. Can anyone verify which hoses I have to pull off? There are 4 hoses in front of the engine in front of the carburator. I'm a little nervous about this because I dont want to fail at draining everything. Once that is complete I would like to enter anti freeze into engine block and manifolds so knowing what hose to put antifreeze into would be helpful.

Next year I want to pull the drive and try and change the water pump and grease the internals. Thanks

 

[Alpheus]

Re: Engine drain on 4.3 merc

If you have power steering you need to pull the water hose at the cooler and let it drain. It will be on the port side of your engine at the bottom. Follow the line from your power steering pump to find it...

Read this:

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=178695


If you don't feel comfortable doing it. Take it to a shop and have it done this year. It will keep you from losing sleep this winter. Then when you get more comfortable working on your boat you can do it yourself next year. This is one of those things that if you don't do it right or forget something you will be buying a new engine or other expensive parts come spring...

PS

Do you have the service manual???

 

[jmarty10]

Re: Engine drain on 4.3 merc

No - I dont have a manual. Which one do I need and where can I get one? BTW - what is the blue drain plug in front on the star side of the engine?

 

[Alpheus]

Re: Engine drain on 4.3 merc

Looks like you need manual #32. I have 32A and 32B but not the main one. Hopefully someone will chime in and get ya the one you need...