Gear Shifting - Mercury 40 CT Maintenance And Installation Manual

Rapid acceleration can result in serious injury or death from being thrown
within or out of the boat. Decrease engine speed before shifting into gear.
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 for obstruction. No obstruction may
indicate a water pump failure or blockage in the cooling system. These
conditions will cause the engine to overheat. Have the outboard checked by
your dealer. Operating the engine while overheated may cause serious engine
damage.
WARMING UP ENGINE
Before beginning operation, allow the engine to warm up at idling speed for
three minutes.

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.
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OPERATION
WARNING
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