Section 3 - On the Water
90-8M0074352
eng
OCTOBER 2012
Page 45
Operation Chart
Operation Chart
Before Starting
After Starting
While Underway
After Stopping
Install the bilge drain plug.
Observe all gauges to
check condition of engine.
If not normal, stop the
engine.
Observe all gauges
to check condition of
engine. If not
normal, stop the
engine.
Turn the ignition key to
the "OFF" position.
Open engine hatch.
Check for fuel, oil, water,
fluid, and exhaust leaks.
Listen for the audio
alarm.
Turn battery switch to the
"OFF" position.
Turn battery switch on.
Check shift and throttle
control operation.
Close fuel shutoff valve.
Operate bilge blowers.
Check steering operation.
Close seacock, if
equipped.
Open fuel shutoff 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 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 eight 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 the ignition key to the "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.
