Starting And Stopping The Engine; Starting The Engine - MerCruiser Sterndrive 4.3 MPI User Manual

Section 3 - On The Water
BEFORE STARTING
Listen for Audio Warning
Alarm to sound when the
ignition switch is in the
"ON" position.

Starting and Stopping the Engine

NOTE: Perform only those functions applicable to your power package.

STARTING THE ENGINE

1. Check all items listed in the Operation Chart.
2. Place the remote control handle in neutral.
Overheating from insufficient cooling water will cause engine and drive system damage.
Ensure that there is sufficient water always available at water inlet holes during operation.
Avoid fire or explosion. Before starting the engine, operate the bilge blower for at least
five minutes to remove any explosive fumes from the engine compartment. If the boat is
not equipped with a bilge blower, open the engine hatch and leave it open while starting
the engine.
NOTE: MerCruiser DTS models are equipped with SmartStart. The SmartStart feature
incorporates push button starting. Rather than holding the start button or key switch to start
the engine and then releasing it when the engine starts, SmartStart completely controls
the starting process. When the start button is pushed, the DTS system signals the engine
PCM to start the engine. If the engine does not start, the starting process times out after a
few seconds or when the engine reaches 400 RPM. Attempting to start the engine with the
engine already running will turn the engine off.
3. Turn ignition key to "RUN" position.
4. Turn the ignition key switch to the "START" position then release, or depress the start/
stop button and release. If the engine is cold, allow the engine to operate at idle for
6‑10 minutes or until the engine temperature reaches 60 °C (140 °F).
5. If the engine does not start after three attempts:
a.
b.
6. If the engine does not start after step 5:
a.
b.
7. Inspect the power package for fuel, oil, water, and exhaust leaks.
8. Move the control handle with a firm, quick motion forward to shift to forward gear, or
backward to shift to reverse. After shifting, advance throttle to desired setting.
Page 48
AFTER STARTING
Push the throttle‑only button and position the remote control handle or throttle
lever to the 1/4 throttle position.
Turn the ignition key to "start." Release key when the engine starts and allow the
switch to return to the "on" position.
Move the remote control handle.throttle lever to the full throttle position, then return
to 1/4 throttle.
Turn the ignition key to "start." Release key when the engine starts and allow the
switch to return to the "on" position.
Operation Chart
WHILE UNDERWAY
CAUTION
!
WARNING
!
90-864195061 NOVEMBER 2006
AFTER STOPPING