Section 2 - On the Water
90-8M0113859 eng DECEMBER 2015 Page 29
Operation Chart
BEFORE STARTING AFTER STARTING WHILE UNDERWAY AFTER STOPPING
Turn battery switch on.
Check shift and throttle
control operation.
Close fuel shut off valve.
Operate bilge blowers. Check steering operation.
Close seacock, if
equipped.
Open fuel shut off valve.
Flush cooling system if in
saltwater.
Open seacock, if equipped. Drain bilge.
Close the drain system.
Place sterndrive unit in full down/in
position.
Check the engine oil.
Perform all other checks specified by your
dealer and/or boatbuilder.
Listen for the audio warning alarm to
sound when the ignition switch is in the
"ON" position.
Starting and Stopping the Engine
NOTE: Perform only those functions applicable to your power package.
Starting the Engine
1.
Check all items listed in the Operation Chart.
2. Place the remote control handle in neutral.
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.
!
WARNING
Explosive fumes contained in the engine compartment can cause serious injury or death from fire or explosion. Before
starting the engine, operate the bilge blower or vent the engine compartment for at least five minutes.
NOTE: MerCruiser DTS models are equipped with SmartStart. The SmartStart feature incorporates push button starting.
Rather than holding the start button or key switch to start the engine and then releasing it when the engine starts,
SmartStart completely controls the starting process. When the start button is pushed, the DTS system signals the engine
PCM to start the engine. If the engine does not start, the starting process times out after a few seconds or when the engine
reaches 400 RPM. Attempting to start the engine with the engine already running will turn the engine off.
3. Turn ignition key to "RUN" position.
4. Turn the ignition key switch to the "START" position then release, or depress the start/stop button and release. If the
engine is cold, allow the engine to operate at idle for 6–10 minutes or until the engine temperature reaches 60° C (140° F).
5. If the engine does not start after three attempts:
a. Push the throttle only button and position the remote control handle or throttle lever to the 1/4 throttle position.
b. Turn the ignition key to "START." Release key when the engine starts and allow the switch to return to the "ON"
position.
6. If the engine does not start after step 5:
a. Move the remote control handle throttle lever to the full throttle position, then return to 1/4 throttle.
b. Turn the ignition key to "START." Release key when the engine starts and allow the switch to return to the "ON"
position.
7. Inspect the power package for fuel, oil, water, and exhaust leaks.
8. Move the control handle with a firm, quick motion forward to shift to forward gear, or backward to shift to reverse. After
shifting, advance throttle to desired setting.