Storage; Storage Preparation; Troubleshooting - Mercury 140 Manual

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STORAGE

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STORAGE PREPARATION

The major consideration in preparing your outboard for storage is to protect it from
rust, corrosion, and damage caused by freezing of trapped water.
The following storage procedures should be followed to prepare your outboard for
out of season storage or prolonged storage (two months or longer).
CAUTION
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.
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Fuel system
IMPORTANT: Gasoline containing alcohol (ethanol or methanol) can cause
a formation of acid during storage and can damage the fuel system. If the
gasoline being used contains alcohol, it is advisable to drain as much of the
remaining gasoline as possible from the fuel tank, remote fuel line, and
engine fuel system.
Fill the fuel system (tank, hoses, fuel pump, carburetors and fuel injection
systems) with treated (stabilized) fuel to help prevent formation of varnish and
gum. Proceed with following instructions.
1. Portable Fuel Tank – Pour the required amount of Quicksilver Gasoline
Stabilizer (follow instructions on container) into fuel tank. Tip fuel tank back and
forth to mix stabilizer with the fuel.
2. Permanently Installed Fuel Tank – Pour the required amount of Quicksilver
Gasoline Stabilizer (follow instructions on container) into a separate container
and mix with approximately one quart (one liter) of gasoline. Pour this mixture
into fuel tank.
3. Place the outboard in water or connect flushing attachment for circulating
cooling water. Run the engine for ten minutes to allow treated fuel to fill the fuel
system.
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Protecting Internal Engine Components
Carburetor Models
1. Remove carburetor cover.
Note: Before performing Steps 2 and 3, make sure the fuel system has been
prepared for storage. Refer to Fuel System on previous page.
2. Place the outboard in water or connect flushing attachment for circulating
cooling water. Start the engine and let it run in neutral to warm up.
3. With engine running at fast idle, stop the fuel flow by kinking the remote fuel line
and run engine until it stops, draining the fuel system. When engine begins to
stall, quickly spray Mercury Precision or Quicksilver Storage Seal into
carburetors until engine stops from lack of fuel.
4. Remove the spark plugs and add approximately one ounce (30 ml) of engine
oil into each spark plug hole. Rotate the flywheel manually several times to
distribute the oil in the cylinders. Reinstall spark plugs.
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) Models
Note: Make sure the fuel system has been prepared for storage. Refer to Fuel
System on previous page.
1. Remove the spark plugs and add approximately one ounce (30 ml) of engine
oil into each spark plug hole. Rotate the flywheel manually several times to
distribute the oil in the cylinders. Reinstall spark plugs.
2. Remove the water separating fuel filter and empty contents in a suitable
container. Refer to Maintenance Section for removal and installation of filter.
Replace fuel filter annually, or every 100 hours of operation, or if large amount
of fuel contamination is present.
90-10126R40
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Protecting External Outboard Components
1. Lubricate all outboard components listed in the Inspection and Maintenance
Schedule.
2. Touch up any paint nicks. See your dealer for touch-up paint.
3. Spray Quicksilver or Mercury Precision Lubricants Corrosion Guard on
external metal surfaces (except corrosion control anodes).
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Gear Case
1. Drain and refill the gear case lubricant (refer to maintenance procedure).
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Positioning Outboard for Storage
Store outboard in an upright (vertical) position to allow water to drain out of
outboard.
If outboard is stored tilted up in freezing temperature, trapped cooling
water or rain water that may have entered the propeller exhaust outlet in
the gear case could freeze and cause damage to the outboard.
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Battery Storage
1. Follow the battery manufacturers instructions for storage and recharging.
2. Remove the battery from the boat and check water level. Recharge if
necessary.
3. Store the battery in a cool, dry place.
4. Periodically check the water level and recharge the battery during storage.
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TROUBLESHOOTING

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1
STARTER MOTOR WILL NOT CRANK THE ENGINE
Possible Causes
•
Remote control models – Blown 20 Amp fuse in the starting circuit. Refer to
Maintenance Section.
•
Outboard is not shifted to neutral position.
•
Weak battery or battery connections are loose or corroded.
•
Ignition key switch failure.
•
Wiring or electrical connection faulty.
•
Starter motor or starter solenoid failure.
2
ENGINE WILL NOT START
Possible Causes
•
Lanyard stop switch not in RUN position.
•
Incorrect starting procedure. Refer to Operating Section.
•
Old or contaminated gasoline.
•
Engine flooded. Refer to Operating Section.
•
Fuel is not reaching the engine.
a. Fuel tank is empty.
b. Fuel tank vent not open or restricted.
c. Fuel line is disconnected or kinked.
d. Primer bulb not squeezed.
e. Primer bulb check valve is faulty.
f. Fuel filter is obstructed. Refer to Maintenance Section.
g. Fuel pump failure.
h. Fuel tank filter obstructed.
•
Ignition system component failure.
•
Spark plugs fouled or defective. Refer to Maintenance Section.
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CAUTION
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