Before Starting The Engine; Starting A Cold Engine; Engine Warm-Up; Section 2 - On The Water - Mercury TDI 3.0L Owner's Operation And Maintenance Manual

Before Starting the Engine

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.
IMPORTANT: Observe the following before starting:
•
Provide water to the seawater pickup pump.
•
Never operate the starter motor longer than 15 seconds at a time to avoid overheating the starter motor. If the
engine does not start, wait one minute to allow the starter motor to cool; then, repeat the starting procedure.
•
Ensure that the engine crankcase is filled to the correct level with the proper grade of oil for the prevailing
temperature. Refer to Specifications—Engine Oil.
•
Ensure that all electrical connections are secure.
•
Check all items listed in the Maintenance Schedule and Operation Chart.
•
Perform any other necessary checks as indicated by your Mercury Diesel authorized repair facility or specified in
your boat owner's manual.

Starting a Cold Engine

IMPORTANT: Check the fluid levels before starting the engine. Refer to Maintenance.
1. Turn on and run the engine compartment bilge blower (if equipped) for five minutes. Or, open the engine hatch to air out
the bilge before attempting to start the engine.
2. Place the sterndrive in the full down (in) position.
3. Place the control handle in neutral.
NOTE: The fuel delivery pump is equipped with a priming lever to assist in filling the fuel filter or fuel system. The fuel
delivery pump priming lever can be moved up and down repeatedly in the event that the hand pump and primer plunger on
the fuel filter header is not used to fill the system.
4. If the engine has not been run for a period of time and will not readily start with the standard starting procedure, use the
hand pump and primer plunger located on the fuel filter header. Move the primer plunger (or the priming lever on the fuel
delivery pump) up and down four or five strokes. Attempt to start the engine following the normal procedure.
5. Turn the key switch to the "RUN" position. Observe the indicator lamp for the glow plugs, if equipped. When the cylinder
temperature is great enough to sustain combustion, the indicator lamp will go off and the engine can be started.
Engaging the starter motor while the engine is operating can damage the starter motor or flywheel. Do not engage the starter
motor continually for longer than 15 seconds. Do not engage the starter motor when the engine is operating.
6. Turn the key switch to the "START" position. Release the key and allow the switch to return to the "RUN" position when the
engine starts.
IMPORTANT: Within seconds after starting the engine, the oil pressure should exceed 10 psi (69 kPa) minimum. If the oil
pressure does not meet these minimum limits, stop the engine then locate and correct the problem. If you are unable to
determine the problem, see your Mercury Diesel authorized repair facility.
7. Ensure that the charge indicator and oil pressure warning lamps are off.
8. Ensure that all instrumentation is functioning properly and indicating normal readings.
Engine Warm‑Up
1. After starting the engine, verify that all instrumentation is functioning properly.
2. Operate the engine at 1000–1200 RPM until the engine temperature is within the normal operating range. It is important
that any engine be warmed up before applying full load. The warm‑up period provides time for the lubricating oil to
establish a film between moving parts.
Engine wear caused by increased friction and limited oil flow is greatest when an engine is cold. Decrease engine wear by
allowing the engine coolant temperature to reach normal operating range before hard acceleration or applying full throttle.
3. After the engine has reached operating temperature:
a.
The oil pressure should be within the range specified. Refer to Specifications—Engine Specifications. Stop the
engine if the oil pressure is not within the range specified.
b. Check the fuel system for leakage from the injection pump, fuel pipes, fuel filter, or fuel lines.
90-8M0145546 MAY 2018
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Section 2 - On The Water

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