Engine Hose - Any idea what it is?

[kt_maxum]

Hi Everyone,

I noticed a hose/cable today on my engine that's not connected to anything. Wondered if anyone knows what it is?

The engine is a Mercruiser 496 8.1 litre. The end of the hose is quite rusted so I'm guessing it hasn't been connected to anything for quite some time. I've included a couple pictures - the first one is the end of the hose that's just been lodged in place to keep it from falling into the bilge. The second photo is the other end of the hose where it terminates.

Thanks,
Ken

[donald]

Oil drain hose.
How long have you had the boat, and when was the last time the engine oil was changed?
Not everyone uses the drain hoses as they are rather slow.
Don

[kt_maxum]

Thanks very much, that makes sense. I've had the boat for about a year and had the oil changed when I bought it as well as again last week (I guess they may not have used the drain hose to drain it).

Thanks again!

[mmwjr]

Agree with Don this is the oil drain hose that can be pulled trough the garboard plug to gravity drain the engine oil.

The next time the oil is changed it should either be removed or replaced to prevent it breaking off and dumping the engine oil into the bilge potentially ruining the engine.

[kt_maxum]

Thanks, great suggestion, I'll definitely do that. It looks like it's ready to give way and cause a problem for sure.

Thanks,
Ken