Starting The Engine - Tiller Handle Models; Gear Shifting - Tiller Handle Models; Stopping The Engine - Tiller Handle Models - Mercury 20 Manual

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OPERATION
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STARTING THE ENGINE - TILLER HANDLE MODELS

Before starting, read the Pre-Starting Check List, Special Operating Instructions,
Pre-Starting Instructions, and Engine Break-in Procedure on the first three pages
in the Operation Section.
1
Open fuel tank vent on manual venting type tanks.
2
Squeeze the fuel line primer bulb several times until it feels firm.
3
Set the lanyard stop switch to RUN position.
4
Set the throttle grip to start position.
a. Throttle Grip Gear Shift Models
b. Side Handle Gear Shift Models
IMPORTANT: Electric starting outboards must not be run or started (either
manually or electrically), without having the outboard battery cables
connected to a battery, as damage to the charging system could result.
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STARTING THE ENGINE - TILLER HANDLE MODELS
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Side Handle Gear Shift Models - Set the gear shift to NEUTRAL position.
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Turn Primer/idle speed knob full clockwise (direction of arrow) to increase
engine idle speed for starting.
7
When engine is cold, pull out and push in the primer/idle speed knob one to
three times to prime the engine. Leave the knob in the pulled-out position when
starting.
8
Manual Starting Models - Pull the starter rope slowly until you feel the starter
engage, then pull rapidly to crank the engine. Allow rope to return slowly.
Repeat until engine starts.
9
Electric Starting Models - Push starter button and crank the engine. Release
button when engine starts. Do not operate starter motor continuously for longer
than ten seconds at a time. If engine fails to start, wait 30 seconds and try again.
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STARTING THE ENGINE - TILLER HANDLE MODELS
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Push in the primer/idle speed knob after engine starts. If engine begins to stall,
re-prime until engine is running smoothly.
Note: Starting Flooded Engine - push in the primer/idle speed knob and turn full
clockwise. Continue to crank the engine for starting.
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b Turn the primer/idle speed knob counterclockwise (direction of arrow) to obtain
desired idle speed as engine warms up.
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Check for water flowing out of the water pump indicator hole. For models
equipped with a thermostat, the amount of water flow can vary, from droplets
to a full spray, due to the thermostat operation. It may take several minutes for
the engine to warm up enough for water to start spraying out of the indicator
hole.
IMPORTANT: If no water is coming out of the water pump indicator hole,
stop engine and check cooling water intake for obstruction. No obstruction
may indicate a water pump failure or blockage in the cooling system. These
conditions will cause the engine to overheat. Have the outboard checked by
your dealer. Operating the engine while overheated may cause serious
engine damage.
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GEAR SHIFTING - TILLER HANDLE MODELS

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Your outboard has three gear shift positions to provide operation: Forward (F),
Neutral (out of gear), and Reverse (R).
a. Throttle Grip Gear Shift Models
b. Side Handle Gear Shift Models
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Side Handle Gear Shift Models - Align throttle grip pointer with slow speed shift
position before shifting outboard into gear.
IMPORTANT: Do not attempt to shift outboard into Reverse gear when the
engine is not running. This could cause damage to the gear shift
mechanism.
3
Always shift outboard with a quick motion.
4
After shifting outboard into gear, advance the throttle to increase speed.
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STOPPING THE ENGINE - TILLER HANDLE MODELS

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Reduce engine speed and shift outboard to neutral position. Push in the engine
stop button or move the lanyard stop switch to the OFF position.
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R
R
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