Section 3 - On the Water
Page 32 90-866938081 MAY 2009
It is the responsibility of the boat manufacturer or the selling dealer to equip the power
package with the correct propellers. Refer to the engine Information Data Tag located on
the engine for the specified engine Rated Speed (RPM). Information for the location of the
engine data tag can be found in the engine owners manual.
If full throttle engine RPM is below the engine Rated Speed (RPM), the propellers will have
to be changed to prevent loss of performance and possible engine damage.
After initial propeller selection, certain issues may require a propeller with a lower pitch.
They include:
• Operating with increased load (additional passengers or gear).
• Shifting the center of gravity of the vessel.
• The addition of towers or canvas.
• Fouling of the hull and running gear.
• High ambient temperatures.
• Operating at high elevation.
It is the responsibility of the boat owner to ensure that the correct propellers are installed
at delivery and maintained over the life of the boat. Because of the many variables of boat
design, only testing will determine the best propeller for a particular boat. If the engine is
not able to reach the engine Rated Speed (RPM), contact your boat builder, boat dealer,
or an Authorized Cummins MerCruiser Diesel Repair Facility for assistance in propeller
selection. A list of propellers for the Zeus drive can be located in the Zeus drive parts
manual. Refer to the Zeus drive Mercury Parts Manual—90-879150112.
Getting Started
Break‑In Period (New or With Replacement Gears)
Always perform these procedures on new drive units. This break‑in procedure allows the
proper seating of drive unit gears and related components, which greatly reduces the
likelihood of problems.
• Avoid full throttle starts.
• Do not operate at any one constant speed for extended periods of time.
• Do not exceed 75% of full throttle during the first 5 hours. During the next 5 hours,
operate at intermittent full throttle.
• Shift the drive into forward gear a minimum of 10 times during break‑in, with run‑in time
at moderate RPM after each shift.
• After the first 25 hours and not to exceed 30 hours, change the transmission fluid and
filter including the transmission fluid in the drop box, if equipped.
• After the first 25 hours and not to exceed 30 hours, change the gear lube in the drive
including the gear lube in the gear lube monitor.
DC Voltage Regulator Switch, If Equipped
If the vessel is equipped with a 24‑volt system, a DC voltage regulator is required to supply
12‑volt power to the VIP and the other 12‑volt circuits. To allow the regulator to be turned
on and off a switch is provided by the boat manufacturer. The switch is on a separate
circuit.
Switching the power on provides regulated power to the VIP and other 12‑volt circuits to
allow the vessel to start. Switching the DC voltage regulator off prevents the regulator from
drawing power when the vessel is not operated.
Have your manufacturer or dealer show you the location and identify the DC voltage
regulator switch for reference.
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