Mercury 40/50 Series User Manual

i
Thank You
for your purchase of one of the finest outboards available. You
have made a sound investment in boating pleasure. Your
outboard has been manufactured by Mercury Marine, a world
leader in marine technology and outboard manufacturing
since 1939. These years of experience have been committed
to the goal of producing the finest quality products. This led to
Mercury Marine's reputation for strict quality control,
excellence, durability, lasting performance and being the best
at providing after the sale support.
Please read this manual carefully before operating your
outboard. This manual has been prepared to assist you in the
operation, safe use and care of your outboard.
All of us at Mercury Marine took pride in building your outboard
and wish you many years of happy and safe boating.
Again, thank you for your confidence in Mercury Marine.
EPA Emissions Regulations
Outboards sold by Mercury Marine in the United States are
certified to the United States Environmental Protection
Agency as conforming to the requirements of the regulations
for the control of air pollution from new outboard motors. This
certification is contingent on certain adjustments being set to
factory standards. For this reason, the factory procedure for
servicing the product must be strictly followed and, wherever
practicable, returned to the original intent of the design.
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission
control devices and systems may be performed by any
marine engine repair establishment or individual.
Engines are labeled with an Emission Control Information
decal as permanent evidence of EPA certification.
!
WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals
known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects
or other reproductive harm.
© 2010 Mercury Marine 40/50 90-10262081 110

Mercury 40/50 Series Specifications

General

Exhaust	Through Prop
Horsepower	40/50 hp
Cylinders	3
Starting System	Electric Start
Steering	Remote or Tiller
Shaft Length	20 in
Cooling System	Water-cooled

Summary

General Information for Outboard Operation

Boater's Responsibilities

Outlines the operator's duties for safe navigation, operation, and manual understanding.

Before Operating Your Outboard

Provides essential pre-operation checks and advice for safe use of the outboard.

Boat Horsepower Capacity

Explains the importance of matching engine horsepower to boat capacity and safety warnings.

Outboard Installation Procedures

Installing the Outboard Motor

Detailed instructions for properly mounting the outboard motor onto the boat transom.

Remote Control Box Installation

Steps for positioning and installing the remote control box and determining cable length.

Connecting Control Cables to Engine

Procedure for connecting remote control cables and harnesses to the outboard engine.

Operating Your Outboard Engine

Pre-Starting Check List

Essential checks to perform before starting the outboard engine for safe operation.

Starting the Engine Safely

Step-by-step guide for starting the outboard engine using manual or electric start methods.

Gear Shifting Procedures

Instructions on how to properly shift the outboard between forward, reverse, and neutral gears.

Outboard Maintenance and Care

Inspection and Maintenance Schedule

A schedule outlining routine inspections and maintenance tasks for the outboard.

Flushing the Cooling System

Instructions on how to flush the outboard's cooling system with fresh water after use in contaminated water.

Gearcase Lubrication and Service

Steps for checking, draining, and refilling the gearcase lubricant to ensure proper lubrication.

Troubleshooting Engine Problems

Engine Will Not Start

Lists potential reasons and troubleshooting steps when the engine fails to start.

Engine Runs Erratically

Addresses common issues that cause the engine to run unevenly or inconsistently.

Performance Loss Diagnosis

Helps diagnose and resolve issues leading to reduced engine or boat performance.