Thru hull cooling, two questions

[Nubbs]

Good afternoon, I'm looking to add thru hull cooling on 1997 27' 7.4 merc with a bIII for all the known reasons. I've searched the threads and haven't come across any answers.
1) I have an existing thru hull seacock piped from the head system macerator which will never be used. Can I block off the macerator and repurpose that thru hull, add a strainer and connect to my raw water cooling pump? I've read about cutting the hose in the drive to ensure cooling remains for the drive and adding the block off plate which I understand. Looking to avoid drilling a hole in the bottom if I can use what's already there. Thoughts?
2) If I can't use that seacock does anyone know of a kit to purchase or come across a parts list of the required brass components for new thru hull?

Thanks in advance!

 

[skibum]

Does it have a scoop on it? If so, it should work fine. Keep an eye on water pressure and temps at first to make sure that it is picking up sufficient water. Placement was done when they though it was going to be an outlet and they were not considering if it was in a good spot to pick up water when they put it there, particularly while on plane.

I ran my boat for almost a whole season with the seawater pump inlet hooked up to the air conditioner through hull pickup and the hose from the outdrive pickup blocked with a wood plug.

 

[Nubbs]

I’m going to give it a try!
Thank you

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

I'd repurpose that hole in the hull before ever drilling a new one!