Quicksilver 44357Q2 Through-Gear Flushing Kit — Garden-Hose Coupler with Stainless Fittings for Mercury and MerCruiser Lower Unit Protection

Quicksilver 44357Q2 is a through-gear-case flushing kit that lets you hook a garden hose to selected Mercury outboards and MerCruiser drives to safely rinse internal water passages and gears.

Designed to protect lower units and outboard internals from salt, sediment and aquatic hitchhikers, this flushing kit combines rubber, stainless steel and durable plastics to resist corrosion and deliver reliable service season after season. It is engineered to fit a broad range of Mercury and Mariner outboards and many MerCruiser sterndrives, simplifying routine freshwater rinses at the dock or trailer.

Which engines and drives will this Quicksilver flushing kit work with?

The 44357Q2 is compatible with many Mercury and Mariner 2-stroke and 4-stroke outboards, select 4-stroke BigFoot models, and most MerCruiser sterndrives—excluding Bravo One Performance and BlackHawk drives. Check your year and model, because some V6 outboards and dual-pickup Bravo drives need an extra dual water pick-up seal kit for full compatibility.

• Fits 20hp Mercury/Mariner and higher 2-stroke outboards
• Fits 9.9–15hp 4-stroke Mercury BigFoot outboards and many 2005+ 8–15hp 4-strokes
• Works with MerCruiser sterndrives (except Bravo One Performance and BlackHawk)
• V6 outboards and Bravo drives with dual pickups require kit 881150Q1

How do I use the flushing kit safely and effectively?

Always attach the kit with the engine off and ensure the engine cannot start while connected. Connect a standard garden hose to the kit’s coupler, secure the assembly to the lower unit pickup area as instructed, then run freshwater through the engine to flush salt, debris and invasive species from internal passages.

• Attach only when the engine and drive are turned off
• Use a standard garden hose for freshwater supply
• Flush until clear water exits exhaust ports or manufacturer-specified run time
• Use dual-pickup seal kit if required by your drive model

What materials and design features make this a durable choice?

The kit uses corrosion-resistant materials — soft rubber sealing components, stainless steel connectors and marine-grade plastics — to withstand repeated exposure to freshwater and saltwater environments. This combination prevents premature failure and keeps the coupler and sealing surfaces working reliably over many seasons.

• Durable rubber seals for watertight connections
• Stainless steel fittings resist rust and galvanic degradation
• Plastic components sized for tight, splash-resistant fit
• Designed for repeated installation and removal without damage

When should I choose this flushing kit over other options?

If you run Mercury or Mariner outboards and many MerCruiser sterndrives and need a quick, on-the-spot method to flush internal cooling passages, this semi-universal kit is practical and cost-effective. It's especially useful when you frequently launch in salt or brackish water or must rinse equipment to limit the spread of aquatic plants between waters.

• Ideal for boaters who rinse engines after saltwater use
• Good for trailer- or dock-side freshwater hookups
• Helpful when local rules require flushing invasive species from gear
• Saved time versus improvised or less-compatible adapters

Who this is for: The Quicksilver 44357Q2 flushing kit suits recreational boat owners, fishers, and marine technicians who operate compatible Mercury/Mariner outboards or MerCruiser sterndrives and want a reliable, manufacturer-quality tool to maintain lower units and internal water passages. If you own a boat that requires a dual water-pickup seal, pair this kit with Quicksilver part 881150Q1 for full functionality.