Well, last weekend I started my boat using the flush connection, 98 25 Outlaw with HP500 motor and Bravo 1 drive. Brought it up to tempature, then drained the oil/ replaced, drained the block and exhaust manifolds, and drained the drive fluid. Here is where the problem starts, at this part I discovered I needed new drain / fill plug and vent gaskets for my drive so I had to stop.

Called my local marina and of course they were not in stock, so I had to order them. Here we are a week later and they are still not in.

Can I start my engine with just a hose in the bucket of antifreeze? Keep in mind the motor will be cold. Will the anti freeze circulate everywhere I need it to go with a cold engine?

Also, can I start the engine without the fluid in the drive for this short period. I will not need to put it in gear obviously.

I just don't want to loose the weekend and not get anything done.

DO NOT START THE ENGINE without oil in the drive, the upper is turning whenever the engine is running and no oil will take out the bearings and gears quick, especially if it has been empty for a week and any residue up there has dripped down by now. I can't beleive that any Merc dealer would ever be out of stock on plugs and seals for the drive.

I bought a bilge pump and have it in my bucket of antifreeze under the outdrive and have the pump connected with a 3/4 id hose to the ear muffs on the drive or better yet if you have a fresh water flush connection, you can connect there as well. This assures me that the fluid will get pumped up to the raw water pump. Then I collect the antifreeze by having it dump from the exhaust back into the bucket and recirculated by the bilge pump. This way, I can run the engine as long as I want and assure the pink stuff gets through the entire engine.

I agree, don't run anything until you get gear lube in that drive.

Thanks Hillbilly24, I know it was a stupid question but better safe than sorry.

Fox Chapel Marine In Pittsburgh where I live. Hate to bash, but their parts department sucks.

I have been buying parts from Alton Blakley Watersports in Ky for my Baja needs, they are an advertiser on this site. Reccomended by another member. . Josh in parts in great!!!!

So I have resolved to go the mail order route because of the above reasons. Shouldn't be that way, however it is.....

Thanks again,

Called Merc Racing and asked them for the part numbers of the drain/fill plug and gaskets.

Plug is #67892A05

Gasket is #830-749

The plug I took out had a magnetic end and a deep recess where a small thick RUBBER washer fit down into. Nobody had this washer, just the gasket. Thinking that someone changed the plug to a different one, I called Merc Racing. I then called around to find the parts. Fox Chapel said the part numbers didn't even come up in their systen but they would order what they thought I needed. One week later nothing from Fox Chapel, They will call you back is their favorite line. Of course they don't.

See, I didn't spend $200,000 there and I don't have them do any service for me. If you are a do it your selfer, you are very low or no priorty there.

Called Josh at Blakely, Merc Racing part numbers came up in their system just fine. He had the gasket but had to order the plug. Got a few gaskets next day free of charge from Blakley with a few other items I needed. I am sure I will have the correct plug from Blakley early next week.