Gear Shifting - Mercury 150 Operation, Maintenance And Installation Manual

8. Turn the ignition key to START position. Release the key when engine
starts. If engine fails to start in 10 seconds, return the key to OFF position,
wait one second and try again.
NOTE: The electronic starting system will automatically prime (choke) the
engine and increase idle speed for starting.
9. Check for a steady stream of water flowing out of the water pump
indicator hole.
IMPORTANT: If no water is coming out of the water pump indicator hole, stop
engine and check cooling water intake holes for obstruction. No obstruction
may indicate a water pump failure or blockage in the cooling system. This
condition will cause the engine to overheat. Have the outboard checked by
your dealer. Operating the engine while overheated will cause engine damage.

Gear Shifting

IMPORTANT: Observe the following:
•
Never shift the outboard into or out of gear unless the engine speed
is at idle. Shifting at higher than engine idle speed could cause
damage to the gearcase.
•
Do not shift the outboard into reverse when the forward motion of
the boat is greater than a no wake speed. Shifting into reverse at
higher boat speeds could cause the engine to stall, and in some
situations, this could cause water to be drawn into the cylinders,
resulting in severe engine damage.
•
Do not shift the outboard into reverse when the engine is not
running. Damage to the shift linkage could occur.
• The outboard has three gear shift positions: forward (F), neutral (N), and
reverse (R).
• When shifting, always stop at the neutral position and allow the engine
idle speed to stabilize before shifting into another gear.
• Always shift the outboard into gear with a quick motion.
OPERATION
19804
19805
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eng