Merc 888 and winter....

[Dave_A]

Ok, this boat has not been in the water since about July.

However, being the old 888 drive, it's (of course) a direct water cooled engine (no antifreeze during normal op)...

I don't want to crack the block, etc...

The thing is after reading the stickies above this page, and the manual...

I don't see anything about drain plugs...

I know where 2 of them are - in the manifolds... Because they were out when I got the boat (project boat that I got running this year)....

The Merc Manual (#2) tells me to take the thermo cover off and pour A/F down it...

Is there any way to actually DRAIN the cooling system on this boat, or is antifreze down the thermo housing specified because there is no way to get the water out?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Merc 888 and winter....

Is there any way to actually DRAIN the cooling system on this boat,

Ayuh,... Just like any other motor, there are Drain Plugs down low on the sides of the block...

 

[ErieRon]

Re: Merc 888 and winter....

Dave,

Manual #2, section/page D-40 thru D-41. Figure 1 & 2.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: Merc 888 and winter....

On the starboard side drain is located just in front of the motor mount, and on port side toward the rear of the block. 'nutcase

 

[erie_guy]

Re: Merc 888 and winter....

Been quite a few years since I owned a Merc 888 but I remember also draining both exhaust manifolds, both exhaust risers, as well as both sides of the block. My engine had brass plugs in the manifolds and risers and petcocks on the side of the block - as indicated earlier by Bond-O. Never did pull the thermostat for antifreeze addition. Had the boat for almost 20 years with only few problems - the Ford engine needed fequent carb float adjustments.

Dont forget look at the stern drive and drain any water that may be in the lower unit and refill with fresh oil.

erie_guy
Port Clinton, OH