Operation Chart; Freezing Temperature And Cold Weather Operation - Mercury MerCruiser Diesel Inboard 2.8L Operation & Maintenance Manual

Operation Chart

Starting Procedure
Open the engine hatch. Air
out the bilge completely.
Turn the battery switch on, if
equipped.
Turn on and run the engine
compartment bilge blower, if
equipped, for five minutes.
Check for leaks: fuel, oil,
water, fluid, etc.
Open the fuel shut‑off valve,
if equipped.
Open the seacock, if
equipped.
Prime the fuel injection
system, if necessary.
Turn the key switch to
"START" position. Release
the key when the engine
starts.
Warm‑up the engine at a
fast idle‑RPM for several
minutes.

Freezing Temperature and Cold Weather Operation

IMPORTANT: If the boat is operated during periods of freezing temperature, take precautions to prevent freezing damage to
the power package. Damage caused by freezing is not covered by the Mercury Marine Limited Warranty.
Water trapped in the seawater section of the cooling system can cause corrosion or freeze damage. Drain the seawater
section of the cooling system immediately after operation or before any length of storage in freezing temperatures. If the boat
is in the water, keep the seacock closed until restarting the engine to prevent water from flowing back into the cooling system.
If the boat is not fitted with a seacock, leave the water inlet hose disconnected and plugged.
NOTE: As a precautionary measure, attach a tag to the key switch or steering wheel of the boat reminding the operator to open
the seacock or unplug and connect the water inlet hose before starting the engine.
In order to operate the engine in temperatures of 0° C (32° F) or lower, observe the following instructions:
• At the end of each daily operation, completely drain the seawater section of the cooling system to protect against damage
by freezing.
• At the end of each daily operation, drain the water from the water separator, if equipped. Fill the fuel tank at the end of daily
operation to prevent condensation.
• Use the required permanent‑type antifreeze solution to protect components against damage by freezing.
• Use proper cold weather lubrication oil; ensure that the crankcase contains a sufficient amount.
• Make certain that the battery is of sufficient size and is fully charged. Check that all other electrical equipment is in
optimum condition.
• At temperatures of –20° C (–4° F) and below, use a coolant heater to improve cold starting.
• If operating in arctic temperatures of –29° C (–20° F) or lower, consult your Mercury Diesel authorized repair facility for
information about special cold weather equipment and precautions.
Refer to Storage for cold weather or extended storage related information.
90-8M0133679 JUNE 2017
eng
After Starting
Observe all instrumentation to
monitor the condition of the
engine. If not normal, stop the
engine.
Check for fuel, oil, water, fluid,
and exhaust leaks, etc.
Check shift and throttle control
operation.
Check steering operation.
While Underway
Frequently review all
instrumentation to monitor
engine condition.
Listen for the audio alarm.
NOTICE
Section 2 - On the Water
Stopping and Shut Down
Shift the remote control lever
to the neutral position.
Run the engine at idle‑RPM
for several minutes to allow
the turbocharger and engine
to cool.
Turn the key switch to "OFF"
position.
Turn the battery switch off, if
equipped.
Close the fuel shut‑off valve, if
equipped.
Close the seacock, if
equipped.
Flush the seawater cooling
circuit, if operating in
saltwater, brackish water, or
polluted water.
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