Engine Controls - Quicksilver 875SD Owner's Manual

Quicksilver 875SD — System & Component Overview and Operation
Joystick Piloting Steering
For boats equipped with an L6 Verado, when turning the steering wheel, the helm pump forces
hydraulic fluid through hoses to and from power assist pump, located on the port side of the bilge.
The power assist pump then pushes fluid to the steering cylinder which is connected to the tiller arm
on the engine. The cylinder moves the tiller arm to either port and starboard, depending upon the
direction the steering wheel is turned.
If your boat is equipped with the Joystick Piloting system from Mercury, the electric helm sends a
signal to the power assist pumps located on the port side of the bilge. The power assist pumps then
pushes fluid to the steering cylinder which is connected to the tiller arm on the engine. The cylinder
moves the tiller arm to either port and starboard, depending upon the direction the steering wheel is
turned.
Filling and Maintenance
A hydraulic steering system rarely needs to be refilled after the system is bled. However, if you ever
need to add fluid to the system, refer to the steering manufacturer's manual for complete
instructions.
On a six cylinder Verado powered boat, fluid is added at the power assist pump, located in the port aft
corner of the cockpit. To access, open the cockpit floor access hatch. Next, remove the cover on the
power assist pump and unscrew the cap. On boats without a power assist pump (L4 Verado and
standard four stroke engines), the fill is located on the top of the helm pump. To access, open the
helm panel access hatch located in the cabin head.
Refer to the steering manufacturer's manual in owner's manual packet for complete instructions and
warranty information.

13. Engine Controls

Depending on the engine installed on your boat, you will either have a mechanical gear shift/throttle
control unit or a "drive by wire" Digital Throttle and Shift (DTS®) control unit. The control unit, located
to the starboard of the steering wheel, activates both the shifting and throttle for the engine.
To start the engine, the control unit must be in the NEUTRAL position. When in neutral, the engine is
Steering wheel
Tilt helm mechanism
Electric helm
Starboard power assist pump
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Port power assist pump
Hydraulic fluid lines
Port steering cylinder
Starboard steering cylinder