Running without the outdrive installed

Blujay96

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jul 8, 2009
Messages
310
I have a 1979 mercruiser 260. Is there any problem with starting the engine without the outdrive if I can hook a hose up to the water inlet. Is there any risk of running it like this.
 

500dollar744ti

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 23, 2012
Messages
691
Re: Running without the outdrive installed

keep an eye on the temp gauge of course.
 

andyandy

Cadet
Joined
Apr 28, 2012
Messages
17
Re: Running without the outdrive installed

I need to run my 95 Merc 350 with the outdrive off as well.
What's a good method to securely connect a water hose to the Alpha bell housing water inlet?
 

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Re: Running without the outdrive installed

I have a 1979 mercruiser 260. Is there any problem with starting the engine without the outdrive if I can hook a hose up to the water inlet. Is there any risk of running it like this.

I need to run my 95 Merc 350 with the outdrive off as well.
What's a good method to securely connect a water hose to the Alpha bell housing water inlet?

What I do when I need to run an engine without the drive on it just stuff a garden hose into the water inlet in the bell-housing, secure it with a cable tie or small length of rope, turn the tap full on and start the engine. Observe the normal 'running on flusher' rules (no high revs) and watch the temp gauge and all will be fine. I also stuff a rag around the outside of the hose to ensure all the water goes up the inlet, and not on the ground.

Chris..
 

Howard Sterndrive

Rear Admiral
Joined
Nov 5, 2008
Messages
4,603
Re: Running without the outdrive installed

I need to run my 95 Merc 350 with the outdrive off as well.
What's a good method to securely connect a water hose to the Alpha bell housing water inlet?
I installed this Tee fitting - I just remove the cap, and install that gardena quick connector you see stored on the riser - then snap my garden hose on,
001-4.jpg

Then I put one of these in the hole where the drive impeller feed normally enters on the back.
4103.jpg
 
Top