Spark Plugs; Submerged Outboard; Outboard External Finish - Evinrude E-TEC Operator's Manual

Maintenance
IMPORTANT: Do not run your outboard—
even for a brief start-up—without supplying
water to it. Refer to Transportation on page
36.
Following Starting, Stopping, Shifting on
page 14, start the outboard. If the outboard
was auto-winterized, it will emit a puff of
smoke on the first start of the season. Let it
idle while you:
Observe running quality. If poor, refer to
Troubleshooting on page 39 or see your
Dealer.
Confirm water pump operation. Water must
flow from the water pump indicator in a steady
stream. If it does not, shut off the outboard
and investigate. Refer to Engine Overheat-
ing on page 22.
Stop the outboard and check the fuel system
for leaks.
WARNING
Failure to check for fuel leakage could
allow a leak to go undetected, resulting
in fire or explosion.
HULL FINISH
The condition of your boat's bottom affects
performance. Marine growth or bottom paint-
ing may reduce speed and fuel efficiency.
For maximum performance, keep the boat's
running surface clean by rinsing it with fresh
water and wiping it dry. Apply Evinrude anti-
corrosion spray to any surface subject to cor-
rosion, but avoid the anti-corrosion anode(s).

OUTBOARD EXTERNAL FINISH

Periodically, wash the entire boat and out-
board with soapy water and apply a coat of
automotive wax. Leave the engine cover in
place when washing the outboard.
IMPORTANT: When trailering your outboard,
DO NOT cover the engine with canvas—it
will dull the finish of the outboard's engine
covers.
38
SCRATCH REPAIR
Surface scratches on the upper and lower
engine covers can be painted.
IMPORTANT: Your Dealer has the profes-
sional materials and matching paint colors to
properly repair scratches. See your Dealer to
repair any deep scratches or gouges.

SPARK PLUGS

WARNING
The ignition system presents a serious
shock hazard. The primary circuit oper-
ates in excess of 200 volts; the second-
ary circuit operates in excess of 25,000
volts. Use caution to avoid injury from
shock or injury resulting from your
reaction to shock. Do not handle pri-
mary or secondary ignition compo-
nents while the engine is cranking or
running.
IMPORTANT: The spark plugs should be ser-
viced by an Evinrude E-TEC Dealer. Incorrect
spark plug maintenance can lead to engine
malfunction.

SUBMERGED OUTBOARD

If your outboard has been under water, have
it serviced immediately upon recovery. If
immediate service is unavailable, resub-
merge it in fresh water to avoid prolonged ex-
posure to the atmosphere.
After submersion, all boat and engine electri-
cal, fuel, and oiling systems must be inspect-
ed for signs of water intrusion. Your Dealer
should perform this service.