Engine Warm-Up; Starting A Warm Engine - Mercury 2.8 Diesel Operation & Maintenance Manual

2. Place the control handle in neutral.
NOTE: If the engine has not been run for a period of time and will not readily start with the standard starting procedure, use
the fuel primer located on the fuel filter header. Cycle the primer plunger up and down four or five strokes then attempt to
start the engine.
3. Turn the ignition key to the "RUN" position.
4. Turn the ignition key switch to the "START" position then release, or press 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 reaches normal operating temperature.
IMPORTANT: Engine oil pressure should exceed 69 kPa (10 psi) within seconds of starting the engine. Stop the engine if
the engine oil pressure does not meet this specification. Locate and correct the problem. If you are unable to correct the
problem, see a Mercury Diesel authorized repair facility.
5. Ensure all instrumentation is functioning properly and indicating normal readings.
Engine Warm‑Up
Engine wear caused by increased friction and limited oil flow is greatest when an engine is cold. Decrease engine wear by
allowing the engine coolant temperature to reach normal operating range before hard acceleration or applying full throttle.
1. After starting, ensure that all instrumentation is functioning properly.
2. Operate the engine at 1,000 to 1,200 RPM until the engine temperature is within the normal operating range. It is very
important that any engine be warmed up before applying full load. The warm‑up period provides time for the lubricating oil
to establish a film between moving parts.
NOTE: Engine warm‑up time during cold weather can be reduced by operating the vessel at a reduced engine speed.
Begin normal vessel operation when systems reach operating temperatures.
3. After the engine has reached operating temperature:
a. The oil pressure should be within the range specified. Refer to Section 4: Specifications—Engine Specifications.
Stop the engine if the oil pressure is not within the range specified.
b. Check the fuel system for leakage from the injection pump, fuel pipes, fuel filter, or fuel lines.
c. Check for oil leakage. Check the engine and the sterndrive for oil leakage. Especially check the oil filter, oil lines, oil
line connectors, and oil pan.
d. Check for coolant leaks. Check the coolant hoses and connection pipes of the heat exchanger, fluid coolers,
aftercooler, water pump, and drain fittings.
4. Locate and correct any problems, or see your Mercury Diesel authorized repair facility if you are unable to determine the
problem.

Starting a Warm Engine

A spinning propeller, a moving boat, or any solid device attached to the boat can cause serious injury or death to swimmers.
Stop the engine immediately whenever anyone in the water is near your boat.
NOTE: Check the fluid levels before starting the engine. Refer to Section 5—Maintenance Schedule .
IMPORTANT: Mercury Marine SmartCraft equipped models feature push and release starting. The PCM completely controls
the starting process after it receives a start command from the ignition key or start button. The starting process will time‑out if
the engine does not start after a few seconds or when cranking speed reaches 400 RPM. Attempting to start the engine with
the engine already running will turn the engine off.
1. Turn on and run the engine compartment bilge blower (if equipped) for 5 minutes. Or, open the engine hatch to air out the
bilge before attempting to start the engine.
2. Place the control handle in neutral.
3. Turn the ignition key to the "RUN" position.
4. Turn the ignition key switch to the "START" position then release, or depress the start/stop button and release.
IMPORTANT: Stop the engine if the oil pressure does not exceed 69 kPa (10 psi) within seconds of starting the engine.
Stop the engine if the engine oil pressure does not meet this specification. Locate and correct the problem. If you are
unable to correct the problem, see a Mercury Diesel authorized repair facility.
5. Ensure that all instrumentation is functioning properly and indicating normal readings.
90-8M0113987 DECEMBER 2015
eng
NOTICE
WARNING
!
Section 2 - On the Water
Page 23