OPERATION
Important Information
IMPORTANT DAILY INSPECTION BEFORE EACH USE
Any outboard mounted on the boat must have the mounting hardware inspected and checked to ensure that the hardware has not become loose. A decal on the transom bracket reminds the owner to check the fasteners securing the outboard to the transom before each use.
51985
Decal on the transom bracket
PRESTARTING CHECK LIST
• Operator knows safe navigation, boating, and operating procedures.
• An approved personal flotation device of suitable size for each person aboard and readily accessible (it is the law).
• A ring type life buoy or buoyant cushion designed to be thrown to a person in the water.
• Know your boats' maximum load capacity. Look at the boat capacity plate.
• Fuel supply OK.
• Arrange passengers and load in the boat so the weight is distributed evenly and everyone is seated in a proper seat.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
• It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Know the waters and area you will be boating; tides, currents, sand bars, rocks, and other hazards.
• Make inspection checks listed in Maintenance ‑ Inspection and
Maintenance Schedule.
52 eng
eng
OPERATION
Operating in Freezing Temperatures
When using your outboard or having your outboard moored in freezing or near freezing temperatures, keep the outboard tilted down at all times so the gearcase is submerged. This prevents the trapped water in the gearcase from freezing and causing possible damage to the water pump and other components.
If there is a chance of ice forming on the water, the outboard should be removed and drained completely of water. If ice should form at the water level inside the outboard driveshaft housing, it will block water flow to the engine causing possible damage.
Operating in Saltwater or Polluted Water
We recommend that you flush the internal water passages of your outboard with fresh water after each use in salt or polluted water. This will prevent a buildup of deposits from clogging the water passages. Refer to Maintenance ‑
Flushing the Cooling System
.
If you keep your boat moored in the water, always tilt the outboard so the gearcase is completely out of water (except in freezing temperatures) when not in use.
Wash the outboard exterior and flush out the exhaust outlet of the propeller and gearcase with fresh water after each use. Each month, spray Mercury Precision or Quicksilver Corrosion Guard on external metal surfaces. Do not spray on corrosion control anodes as this will reduce the effectiveness of the anodes.
Operating at High Elevations
Your engine automatically compensates for high elevation changes. A different pitch propeller may help reduce some normal performance loss resulting from reduced oxygen in the air. Consult your dealer.
Effects of Elevation and Weather on Performance
The following conditions lower engine performance and cannot be compensated by the engine fuel or electronic management systems:
• Above sea level elevations
• High temperature
• Low barometric pressure
• High humidity
These conditions above reduce air density to the engine, which in turn lowers the following:
• Boost pressure on supercharged engines
• Horsepower and torque throughout the RPM range
• Peak RPM
• Cranking compression
53
OPERATION
EXAMPLE: An engine running at an elevation of 8,000 feet will have over a
30% power loss while a loss of engine power on a hot and humid day could be as much as 14%. These losses apply to normally aspirated and supercharged engines.
Compensating for power robbing conditions:
• Switch to a lower pitch propeller.
• Change the gear ratio if it is available.
Some boat performance can be improved by dropping to a lower pitch propeller, but engine performance will still remain lower. In some cases, a gear ratio reduction may be more beneficial. To optimize engine performance, prop the engine to allow it to operate at or near the top end of the recommended maximum RPM range at wide‑open throttle with a normal boat load.
Other advantages to propeller or gear ratio changes:
• Reduces the possibility of detonation
• Enhances overall reliability and durability of the engine
Setting Trim Angle while Running Engine at Idle Speed
The exhaust relief hole on the outboard can become submerged on some boats if the engine is trimmed full in while running at idle speed. This may result in exhaust restriction, rough idle, excessive smoke, and fouled spark plugs. If this condition exists, trim outboard up until exhaust relief hole is out of the water.
a b
54206 a Relief hole submerged (wrong) b Relief hole above waterline (correct)
Operating in Shallow Water
When operating your boat in shallow water, you can tilt the outboard beyond the maximum trim range to prevent hitting bottom.
54 eng
OPERATION
NOTICE
Operating the engine with the outboard in the tilt range can damage the engine or the transom. If operating the engine in the tilt range, such as in shallow water, do not exceed 2000 RPM.
1. Reduce the engine speed below 2000 RPM.
2. Tilt the outboard up. Make sure all the cooling water intake holes stay submerged at all times.
3. Operate the engine at slow speed only.
Models with a three‑ram trim system: If engine speed exceeds 2000 RPM, the outboard will automatically return down to the maximum trim range.
Models with a single‑ram trim system: The outboard will remain at the selected tilt position, regardless of engine RPM.
Engine Break‑in Procedure
IMPORTANT: Failure to follow the engine break‑in procedures can result in poor performance throughout the life of the engine and can cause engine damage. Always follow break‑in procedures.
1. For the first two hours of operation, run the engine at varied throttle settings up to 4500 RPM or at three‑quarter throttle, and at full throttle for approximately one minute every ten minutes.
2. For the next eight hours of operation, avoid continuous operation at full throttle for more than five minutes at a time.
Starting the Engine
Before starting, read the Prestarting Check List, and Engine Break‑in
Procedure
in this section.
NOTICE
Without sufficient cooling water, the engine, the water pump, and other components will overheat and suffer damage. Provide a sufficient supply of water to the water inlets during operation.
1. Check the engine oil level.
eng
20783
55
47820
OPERATION
2. Ensure the cooling water intake is submerged.
47412
3. Open the fuel tank vent screw (in filler cap) on manual venting type fuel tanks.
19748
4. Set the lanyard stop switch to the RUN position. Refer to General
Information
‑ Lanyard Stop Switch.
5. Shift outboard to neutral (N) position.
N
19791
56
58237 eng
OPERATION
6. Ignition key starting ‑ Turn ignition key to the START position and release the key. The electronic starting system will automatically crank the engine for starting. If the engine fails to start, the engine will stop cranking. Turn the key to the START position again until engine starts.
NOTE: For initial start of a new engine or for an engine that ran out of fuel or was drained of fuel, the fuel system should be filled as follows:
Turn the ignition key switch to the ON position for approximately five seconds.
Turn the key to the START position and release it, the engine will crank for a maximum of eight seconds. The engine may start, run rough, and stall while filling the system. Repeat this starting procedure until the engine remains running. Allow the starter motor to cool for 20–30 seconds between start attempts.
19804
7. After the engine starts, check for a steady stream of water flowing out of the water pump indicator hole.
IMPORTANT: If no water is coming out of the water pump indicator hole, stop the engine and check the cooling water intake for obstruction. No obstruction may indicate a water pump failure or blockage in the cooling system. These conditions will cause the engine to overheat. Have the outboard checked by your dealer. Operating the engine while overheated will cause engine damage.
8. If the engine does not start, push the throttle only button in and advance the remote control handle slightly to open the throttle. Crank the engine and be prepared to immediately reduce the throttle after the engine has started.
N
eng
58261
WARMING UP ENGINE
Before beginning operation, allow the engine to warm up at idling speed for three minutes.
57
OPERATION
Gear Shifting
IMPORTANT: Observe the following:
•
Never shift the outboard into gear unless the engine speed is at idle.
•
Do not shift the outboard into reverse when the engine is not running.
• Your outboard has three gear shift positions to provide operation: forward
(F), neutral (N), and reverse (R).
• When shifting, always stop at the neutral position and allow the engine speed to return to idle.
• Always shift the outboard into gear with a quick motion.
• After shifting the outboard into gear, advance the lever further to increase speed.
N
F R
58239
Stopping the Engine
Reduce the engine speed and shift the outboard to neutral position. Turn the ignition key to "OFF" position.
58
26843 eng