Clear water intake from Mercury motor (2005 60HO 4-stroke)

How to easily attach a hose and clear a cooling water intake obstruction for a 2005 60 HP Mercury 4-stroke outboard motor. Note that this video was made for my family.
Added in 2019: See your Mercury manual for full instructions. While this method works, Mercury suggests the propeller be removed and the engine run during this procedure. READ THE MANUAL - SERIOUS DAMAGE OR INJURY COULD OCCUR IF PERFORMED INCORRECTLY.

[@phelixu]

Had this issue yesterday on the lake on the exact same motor. This did the trick clearing out whatever debris the cooling system had and we're back to Boating instead of Floating! =)

[@sgtpek2621]

Thanks for the video... intake sucked up a bunch of mud and this trick cleared it right out.

[@saoirse2345]

1st step...I have an 8hp Mercury 4=stroke - Since I live in an area with much seagrass, it plugs often. Bought a 'Double Tough' mini CO2 motorcycle tire inflator and when the pee-hole plugs I just shoot a small anount of CO2 into the pee-hole and it clears immediately.. Simple.

[@stcif]

Thank you. Fixed my issue.

[@johnnypea43]

Awesome! Worked for me yesterday!

[@BarcelonaBlitzer]

Thank you!

[@rich_fishangler]

Awesome video!! What water pump did you use for this motor? Thank you

[@stevenelson504]

Would like to know where you purchased the backflush hose adapter for the engine?

[@Slydo]

Either Walmart or Home Depot. It's a common hose connector from the garden department.

[@stevenelson504]

@@Slydo Thank you Paul for your info. It looked as though one end was attached to the motor itself, is that correct?

[@joedeterman931]

I have a 50hp 2003 Mariner. There is some oil coming out of the intake holes after I pull out of the water. Motor runs great. Had the lower unit pressure tested and was good. Any ideas??

[@lesfaust9634]

It may be dripping out of the carburetor when the motor is tilted up, when you're done using your motor it's good that you unplug the fuel line and run the excess gas out of the motor

[@jake233517]

@@lesfaust9634 Oil in the Carburetor??

[@stevepaul2262]

Did not show stuff coming out of the motor

[@katherinecafarelli8383]

Where did you get that adaptor?

[@johnnypea43]

I believe it is just the common hose valve thread pattern available ant hardware/garden/home improvement stores. Nothing special. We had one just lying around.

[@rebeccakemp1475]

2013 Bass Tracker Mercury 60 hp runs great till 3000rpms then shuts off, any suggestions? Please advise. Thanks

[@Slydo]

Sorry, I am not an expert mechanic - I researched and posted this for my family's use if they experienced an overheating situation due to a clogged cooling system. It has kind of taken on a life of its own. I hope you've been able to find answers somewhere - I know how frustrating it can be.

[@stevenelson504]

Rebecca, did you ever find an answer to your overheating problem at 3000 RPM? I am having the same problem and I’m changing out the water pump and I’m going to try back flushing with the hose. I would be very interested if you would make a comment. Also would like to know where I can buy that adapter for my hose?

[@rebeccakemp1475]

It was bad gas, changed all the lines out. Hope you solve your issues. Thanks