Section 3 - On The Water
Page 36
90-8M0070851
eng
AUGUST 2012
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 Mercury Diesel 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.
•
Be sure to use proper cold weather lubrication oil, and be sure 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 warranty.
Protecting People In The Water
While You Are Cruising
It is very difficult for a person in the water to take quick action to avoid a boat heading in their direction, even at slow speeds.
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Always slow down and exercise extreme caution any time you are boating in an area where there might be people in the water.
Whenever a boat is moving (even coasting) and the gear shift is in neutral, there is sufficient force by the water on the propeller
to cause the propeller to rotate. This neutral propeller rotation can cause serious injury.
While Boat Is Stationary
!
WARNING
A spinning propeller, a moving boat, or any solid device attached to the boat can cause serious injury or death to swimmers.
Stop the engine immediately whenever anyone in the water is near your boat.
Shift into neutral and shut off the engine before allowing people to swim or be in the water near your boat.
