Starting And Stopping The Engine; Starting The Engine - MerCruiser 8.1S HO Owner's Manual

BEFORE STARTING
Turn battery switch on.
Operate bilge blowers.
Open fuel shut off valve.
Open seacock, if
equipped.
Close the drain system.
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: 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:
90-864841062 DECEMBER 2006
Operation Chart
AFTER STARTING
Check shift and throttle
control operation.
Check steering operation.
CAUTION
!
WARNING
!
Section 3 - On The Water
WHILE UNDERWAY
Close fuel shut off valve.
Close seacock, if
equipped.
Flush cooling system if in
saltwater.
Drain bilge.
AFTER STOPPING
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