[mercuryowner]

we're undecided about draining the motor for winter. Our manual for the 2005 90hp mercury, indicates we should fill the gas tank and add stabilizer; running it for a few minutes. It doesn't say to disconnect the gas line to drain the carburetor.

[robert graham]

I always drain carbs because I believe it does a better job of removing all fuel than disconnecting line and letting motor "run all fuel out". I also drain fuel onto a clean white rag to see what was in carb. If there is water or trash in carb then this is a good opportunity to remove it. With carb plugs out you can pump primer bulb to "flush out" carb and float needle valve. This works great on my Yamaha because the carb plugs are real easy to get to with a wrench, but I'm not familiar with the Mercury carbs. If you can drain them, it's a great preventive maintenance tool. Good Luck!