Basic Boat Operation; Launching And Boat Operation; Operation Chart; Starting And Stopping The Engine - MerCruiser 3.0L TKS Alpha Owner's Manual

Section 3 - On The Water
2. Examples of poor ventilation while a boat is moving:
a

Basic Boat Operation

Launching and Boat Operation

IMPORTANT: Install bilge drain plug prior to launching boat.

Operation Chart

BEFORE STARTING
Install bilge drain plug.
Open engine hatch.
Turn battery switch on.
Operate bilge blowers.
Open fuel shut off valve.
Open seacock, if equipped.
Close the drain system.
Place sterndrive unit in full down/in position.
Check the engine oil.
Perform all other checks specified by your
dealer and/or boat builder.
Listen for Audio Warning Alarm to sound
when the ignition switch is in the "ON"
position.

Starting and Stopping the Engine

NOTE: Only perform 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.
Without sufficient cooling water, the engine, the water pump, and other components will overheat and suffer damage. Provide
a sufficient supply of water to the water inlets during operation.
Explosive fumes contained in the engine compartment can cause serious injury or death from fire or explosion. Before starting
the engine, operate the bilge blower or vent the engine compartment for at least five minutes.
Page 28
b

Operation Chart

AFTER STARTING
Observe all gauges to
check condition of engine.
If not normal, stop engine.
Check for fuel, oil, water,
fluid and exhaust leaks.
Check shift and throttle
control operation.
Check steering operation.
NOTICE
WARNING
!
a - Operating the boat with the trim
angle of the bow too high
b - Operating the boat with no
mc79556-1
forward hatches open (station
wagon effect)
WHILE UNDERWAY
Observe all gauges to
check condition of Turn ignition key to the
engine. If not normal, "OFF" position.
stop engine.
Listen for the audio Turn battery switch to the
alarm. "OFF" position.
Close fuel shut off valve.
Close seacock, if equipped.
Flush cooling system if in
saltwater.
Drain bilge.
90-8M0053263
AFTER STOPPING
NOVEMBER 2010