Throttle Grip Friction Adjustment - Tiller Handle Models; Steering Friction Adjustment; Trim Tab Adjustment; Operation - Mercury 30 Manual

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FEATURES & CONTROLS
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POWER TRIM AND TILT (CONTINUED)
Auxiliary Tilt Switch
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This switch can be used to tilt the outboard up or down using the power trim
system.
Shallow Water Operation
When operating your boat in shallow water, you can tilt the outboard beyond the
maximum trim range to prevent hitting bottom.
1. Reduce engine speed below 2000 RPM.
2. Tilt outboard up. Make sure all the water intake holes stay submerged at all
times.
3. Operate the engine at slow speed only. If engine speed exceeds 2000 RPM,
the outboard will automatically return down to the maximum trim range.
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a
a
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THROTTLE GRIP FRICTION ADJUSTMENT - TILLER
HANDLE MODELS
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Throttle Grip Friction Knob – Turn friction knob to set and maintain the throttle
at desired speed. Turn knob towards (a) to tighten friction and move knob
towards (b) to loosen friction.

STEERING FRICTION ADJUSTMENT

Tiller Handle Models
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Steering Friction Adjustment – Adjust this lever to achieve the desired steering
friction (drag) on the tiller handle. Move lever towards (a) to tighten friction or
move towards (b) to loosen friction.
Remote Steering Models
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Steering Friction Adjustment – Adjust this screw to achieve the desired
steering friction (drag) on the steering wheel. Turn screw towards (a) to tighten
friction or turn towards (b) to loosen friction.
WARNING
Avoid possible serious injury or death from loss of boat control. Maintain
sufficient steering friction to prevent the outboard from steering into a
full turn if the tiller handle or steering wheel is released.
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TRIM TAB ADJUSTMENT

Propeller steering torque will cause your boat to pull in one direction. This steering
torque is a normal thing that results from your outboard not being trimmed so the
propeller shaft is parallel to the water surface. The trim tab can help to compensate
for this steering torque in many cases and can be adjusted within limits to reduce
any unequal steering effort.
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a
b
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Note: Trim tab adjustment will have little effect reducing steering torque if the
outboard is installed with the anti-ventilation plate approximately 2 inches (50mm)
or more above the boat bottom.
Models Without Power Trim
Operate your boat at normal cruising speed trimmed to desired position by
installing the "tilt pin" in the desired tilt pin hole. Turn your boat left and right and
note the direction the boat turns more easily.
If adjustment is necessary, loosen trim tab bolt and make small adjustments at a
time. If the boat turns more easily to the left, move the trailing edge of trim tab to
the left. If the boat turns more easily to the right move the trailing edge of trim tab
to the right. Retighten bolt and retest.
Models With Power Trim
Operate your boat at normal cruising speed, trimmed to desired position. Turn your
boat left and right and note the direction the boat turns more easily.
If adjustment is necessary, loosen trim tab bolt and make small adjustments at a
time. If the boat turns more easily to the left, move the trailing edge of trim tab to
the left. If the boat turns more easily to the right move the trailing edge of trim tab
to the right. Retighten bolt and retest.
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OPERATION

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PRE-STARTING CHECK LIST

j Operator knows safe navigation, boating, and operating procedures.
j An approved personal flotation device of suitable size for each person aboard
and readily accessible (it is the law).
j A ring type life buoy or buoyant cushion designed to be thrown to a person in
the water.
j Know your boats maximum load capacity. Look at the boat capacity plate.
j Check fuel supply and oil level (oil injection models).
j Arrange passengers and load in the boat so the weight is distributed evenly and
everyone is seated in a proper seat.
j Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
j It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
j Know the waters and area you will be boating; tides, currents, sand bars, rocks,
and other hazards.
j Make inspection checks listed in the Inspection and Maintenance Schedule.
Refer to Maintenance Section.
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OPERATING IN FREEZING TEMPERATURES

When using your outboard or having your outboard moored in freezing or near
freezing temperature, keep the outboard tilted down at all times so the gear case
is submerged. This prevents trapped water in gear case from freezing and causing
possible damage to the water pump and other components.
If there is a chance of ice forming on the water, the outboard should be removed
and drained completely of water. If ice should form at the water level inside the
outboard drive shaft housing, it will block water flow to the engine causing possible
damage.
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OPERATING IN SALT WATER OR POLLUTED WATER

We recommend that you flush the internal water passages of your outboard with
fresh water after each use in salt or polluted water. This will prevent a buildup of
deposits from clogging the water passages. Refer to "Flushing The Cooling
System" procedure in the Maintenance Section.
If you keep your boat moored in the water, always tilt the outboard so the gear case
is completely out of water (except in freezing temperature) when not in use.
Wash down the outboard exterior and flush out the exhaust outlet of the propeller
and gear case with fresh water after each use. Each month, spray Mercury
Precision or Quicksilver Corrosion Guard on external metal surfaces (do not spray
on corrosion control anodes as this will reduce the effectiveness of the anodes).
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OPERATING AT HIGH ELEVATIONS

Operating your outboard at an elevation higher than 2500 ft. (750 m) above sea
level may require a carburetor jet change and/or different pitch propeller. Consult
your dealer. This will reduce the normal performance loss experienced as a result
of reduced oxygen in the air causing an overly rich fuel mixture.
IMPORTANT: To prevent serious damage to the engine caused by a lean fuel
mixture, DO NOT operate your outboard (if the jets were changed for high
elevation) at a lower elevation unless the jets are changed again to
correspond to the new elevation.
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90-10116R30