Operation; Pre-Starting Check List; Operating In Freezing Temperatures; Operating In Salt Water Or Polluted Water - Mercury 60 Manual

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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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ENGINE BREAK-IN PROCEDURE

CAUTION
Severe damage to the engine can result by not complying with the Engine
Break-in Procedure.
Engine Break-in Fuel Mixture
Use a 50:1 (2%) gasoline/oil mixture in the first tank of fuel. Use of this fuel mixture
combined with oil from the oil injection system will supply adequate lubrication
during engine break-in.
Engine Break-in Procedure
Vary the throttle setting during the first hour of operation. During the first hour of
operation, avoid remaining at a constant speed for more than two minutes and
avoid sustained wide open throttle.
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STARTING THE ENGINE

Before starting, read the Pre-Starting Check List, Special Operating Instructions,
and Engine Break-in Procedure on the first three pages in the Operation Section.
Never start or run your outboard (even momentarily) without water circu-
lating through all the cooling water intake holes in the gear case to pre-
vent damage to the water pump (running dry) or overheating of the en-
gine.
1
Lower the outboard to the run position. Make sure all the cooling water intake
holes are submerged.
2
Open fuel tank vent screw (in filler cap) on manual venting type tanks.
3
Connect the fuel line to the outboard.
4
Squeeze the fuel line primer bulb several times until it feels firm.
5
Set the lanyard stop switch to RUN position. Read the Lanyard Stop Switch
safety explanation and Warning in the General Information Section.
6
Shift outboard to neutral (N) position.
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STARTING THE ENGINE - (CONTINUED)
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Models without power trim - Position the tilt lock lever to the Lock position.
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Tiller Handle Models - Align the throttle grip pointer with START position.
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Remote Control Models - If engine is cold, advance the fast idle speed lever
(a) or throttle only feature (b) to an approximate halfway (1/2) setting. After
engine start up, immediately adjust neutral fast idle setting so engine speed
drops below 2000 RPM. Return back to normal idle speed after engine is
warmed up.
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Turn ignition key to START position and start the engine. If engine is cold,
push in on key to prime the engine while cranking. If engine fails to start in ten
seconds, wait 30 seconds and try again. If engine begins to stall, re-prime
(push key in) until engine is running smoothly.
Note: Starting Flooded Engine:
Remote Control Models - Advance the fast idle speed lever or throttle only
feature to the full maximum position. Without activating primer, crank engine for
10 seconds. Wait 30 seconds and repeat until engine starts. Immediately start to
reduce engine speed after engine starts.
Tiller Handle Models - Advance the throttle grip to full throttle speed. Without
activating primer, start engine following starting procedure. Immediately start to
reduce engine speed after engine starts.
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CAUTION
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