Section 3 - On the Water
90-8M0069751 eng APRIL 2012 Page 29
a. Move the ignition key switch to the "ACCESSORY" or "OFF" position. The engine will stop and the control system will
be deactivated.
b. Depress the start/stop button, if equipped. The engine will stop and the control system will remain active.
c. Momentarily move the ignition key switch to the "START" position, then release immediately. The control system will
recognize that the engine is running and will stop the engine. The control system will remain active. Moving the
ignition key switch to the "START" position again will issue a start request to the control system and the control
system will start the engine, if appropriate.
d. Activate the lanyard stop switch, if equipped. The engine will stop, but the control system will remain active. The
control system will not allow the engine to start if the lanyard stop switch is activated.
Starting the Engine After Stopped While in Gear
IMPORTANT: Avoid stopping the engine if the sterndrive is in gear. If the engine does stop with the sterndrive in gear, see the
following procedure:
1. Push and pull repeatedly on the remote control handle until the handle returns to the neutral detent position. This may take
several tries if the power package was operating above idle RPM when the engine stopped.
2. After the handle returns to the neutral detent position, resume normal starting procedures.
Trailering the Boat
Your boat can be trailered with the sterndrive in the up (out) or down (in) position. Adequate clearance is required between the
road and sterndrive when transporting.
If adequate road clearance is a problem, place the sterndrive in full trailer position and support it with an optional trailer kit,
which is available from your Mercury Marine authorized repair facility.
Freezing Temperature and Cold Weather Operation
IMPORTANT: If the boat is operated during periods of freezing temperature, take precautions to prevent freezing damage to
the power package. Damage caused by freezing is not covered by the Mercury Marine Limited Warranty.
NOTICE
Water trapped in the seawater section of the cooling system can cause corrosion or freeze damage. Drain the seawater
section of the cooling system immediately after operation or before any length of storage in freezing temperatures. If the boat
is in the water, keep the seacock closed until restarting the engine to prevent water from flowing back into the cooling system.
If the boat is not fitted with a seacock, leave the water inlet hose disconnected and plugged.
NOTE:
As a precautionary measure, attach a tag to the key switch or steering wheel of the boat reminding the operator to open
the seacock or unplug and reconnect the water inlet hose before starting the engine.
In order to operate the engine in temperatures of 0° C (32° F) or lower, observe the following instructions:
• At the end of each daily operation, completely drain the seawater section of the cooling system to protect against damage
by freezing.
• At the end of each daily operation, drain the water from the water separator, if equipped. Fill the fuel tank at end of daily
operation to prevent condensation.
• Use the required permanent‑type antifreeze solution to protect components against damage by freezing.
• Use proper cold weather lubrication oil; ensure that the crankcase contains a sufficient amount.
• Make certain that the battery is of sufficient size and is fully charged. Check that all other electrical equipment is in
optimum condition.
• At temperatures of –20° C (–4° F) and below, use a coolant heater to improve cold starting.
• If operating in arctic temperatures of –29° C (–20° F) or lower, consult your Mercury Diesel authorized repair facility for
information about special cold weather equipment and precautions.
Refer to Section 6 for cold weather or extended storage related information.
Drain Plug and Bilge Pump
The engine compartment in your boat is a natural place for water to collect. For this reason, boats are normally equipped with a
drain plug or a bilge pump. It is very important to check these items on a regular basis to ensure that the water level does not
come into contact with your power package. Components on your engine will be damaged if submerged. Damage caused by
submersion is not covered by the Mercury MerCruiser or Mercury Marine Limited Warranty.
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