Mercruiser 6.2 - Water distribution housing

[krisMa]

Hello everyone, I have a water distribution housing that has a small black hose attached to it which is quite long. There have been different opinions regarding whether it's an air hose or a drain hose.
The placement of this hose is different between two engines - on one engine, it's lying down, while on another engine, it's halfway up and then just laying on the top of engine . I would appreciate it if someone could clarify the purpose of this hose and how it should be properly placed.

 

[alldodge]

The tube should go to the air pump on top the motor next to the thermostat housing. The tube connects to the air pump to purge water out during winterization

Many have had cracked housings and the biggest reason is are draining with pump the drain plug is reinstalled. Later there is a small amount of water which will makes it's way back into the housing. Temps go down and it cracks because it's plastic. If plug is left out there is very little chance of cracking

Boats that sit in the water during winter should not leave the plug out

https://www.mercruiserparts.com/bam/subassembly/31789/15044/290