Flushing 2008 Mercury

[silverviper]

I have question regarding flushing a 115hp Mercury outboard.

I am getting ready to winterize the engine for the first time. After reading through the owner's manual it wants me to connect a hose directly to a threaded port behind the motor. Then with water running at 1/2 pressure, run the engine at idle speed for 5 minutes to open the thermostat and flush the cooling system.

So here are my questions:

1. Does using this method replace flushing the system with muffs?

2. Since the water intakes are not covered would this not cause the engine to overheat?

3. If I use the muffs, would this cause any damage at all?

Thanks.

 

[frankie g]

Re: Flushing 2008 Mercury

Well, I have a 2004 150 Saltewater 2 stk. I started off by using the wash port as well...after that little "S" hose behind the cowling split 3 times @ a replacment cost of $30. a pop, I started going back to the old fashoned way " Muffs " and thats been 3 yrs now. personaly I think its better...the water goes right to the impeller. The water doesn't have to travel to get there, ya know down through the head. I fish in strickley salt water and have had no problems, and have no issues. I'm sticking w/ muffs. JMO