Cleaning water strainers

[basscatlildave]

Not my video but I think it will help some folks.

[EuropeanAM]

This thread has been added to the FAQ Section, under V6/V8 Lower Strainer.

A word of caution/suggestion:

This project is much easier to complete if you have a 1/4" drive, 8mm swivel socket, an extension that is at least 18" long, and a hand-operated ratchet.

While drills/drivers do help to speed things along, DO NOT use them to reinstall the hardware for the lower cowlings, as it is extremely easy to cross-thread, gall or strip the threads in the brass inserts that retain the hardware. Worse yet- spin the insert loose in the opposing component, making it very difficult to remove.

Also make note of the screw locations and lengths as there are several different screws utilized.

[EuropeanAM]

Are there any strainers on the Verado's?

ONE specific engine, with serial number, per post. Thanks!

[velvetskilett]

what a great video. Thank you for sharing. Could some of this be avoided by flushing the motor using the provided garden hose fitting on the left side of the motor? Or is using the flush not reversing the flow path of the water and would do no good?

[EuropeanAM]

Could some of this be avoided by flushing the motor using the provided garden hose fitting on the left side of the motor? Or is using the flush not reversing the flow path of the water and would do no good?

Coastal Flush adapter will have little, or no affect in this type of situation. The only real prevention is to operate in clean water.

[bishoptf]

FYI..

Thanks for posting this video, wish they had made it easier to get to in order to clean since I think you would want to keep it clean. My one comment that I will state after working on a number of mercury outboards, the zip ties that he cut off unless they have changed something but I doubt they have, they are special zip ties with a radius and not NORMAL zip ties. Normal zip ties will not apply pressure equally and leave a gap, they may work but mercury has a zip tie that is actually made for hoses and the tie has a radial so you get equal pressure all the way around the hose, just thought I would pass this along, lot of work goes into getting to the screen and you would hate to have to do it again due to a zip tie leaking etc.

[Zone18]

I think he may have galled that second bolt on the lower filter.......as a mechanic for almost 40 years this guys use of an impact made my butt pucker. Just dont do it guys....5 min. aint worth thousands in damage.

[mactlman]

FYI..

Thanks for posting this video, wish they had made it easier to get to in order to clean since I think you would want to keep it clean. My one comment that I will state after working on a number of mercury outboards, the zip ties that he cut off unless they have changed something but I doubt they have, they are special zip ties with a radius and not NORMAL zip ties. Normal zip ties will not apply pressure equally and leave a gap, they may work but mercury has a zip tie that is actually made for hoses and the tie has a radial so you get equal pressure all the way around the hose, just thought I would pass this along, lot of work goes into getting to the screen and you would hate to have to do it again due to a zip tie leaking etc.

i bought some, great ties--- bet don sells them, get a bag or 25 or 50 54-816311T