Table of Contents
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Thank You
for your purchase of one of the finest outboards available. You
have made a sound investment in boating pleasure. Your
outboard has been manufactured by Mercury Marine, a world
leader in marine technology and outboard manufacturing
since 1939. These years of experience have been committed
to the goal of producing the finest quality products. This led to
Mercury Marine's reputation for strict quality control,
excellence, durability, lasting performance and being the best
at providing after the sale support.
Please read this manual carefully before operating your
outboard. This manual has been prepared to assist you in the
operation, safe use and care of your outboard.
All of us at Mercury Marine took pride in building your outboard
and wish you many years of happy and safe boating.
Again, thank you for your confidence in Mercury Marine.
EPA Emissions Regulations
Outboards sold by Mercury Marine in the United States are
certified to the United States Environmental Protection
Agency as conforming to the requirements of the regulations
for the control of air pollution from new outboard motors. This
certification is contingent on certain adjustments being set to
factory standards. For this reason, the factory procedure for
servicing the product must be strictly followed and, wherever
practicable, returned to the original intent of the design.
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission
control devices and systems may be performed by any
marine engine repair establishment or individual.
Engines are labeled with an Emission Control Information
decal as permanent evidence of EPA certification.
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals
known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects
or other reproductive harm.
WARNING
!
i
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Table of Contents
Related Manuals for Mercury 25M
Summarization of Contents
Warranty Information
Transfer of Warranty
Details the process for transferring the limited warranty to a new owner, including required documentation and contact information.
Transfer of Mercury Product Protection (Extended Service Coverage) Plan
Outlines the conditions and steps for transferring an extended service plan to a subsequent purchaser within a specified timeframe.
Warranty Registration United States And Canada
Explains the requirements and procedures for registering the product for warranty coverage in the US and Canada.
Outboard Limited Warranty
Defines what is covered, what is not covered, and the duration of the limited warranty for outboard products.
3 Year Limited Warranty Against Corrosion
Details the warranty coverage specifically for corrosion issues over a three-year period from the date of sale.
Warranty Coverage and Exclusions
Clarifies common misunderstandings regarding warranty coverage and lists services or damages that are not covered.
General Information
Boater's Responsibilities
Outlines the operator's duties for safe navigation, operation, and understanding the owner's manual.
Before Operating Your Outboard
Advises careful reading of the manual and understanding safety instructions before operating the outboard.
Boat Horsepower Capacity
Warns against exceeding the boat's maximum horsepower rating to ensure safety and control.
High-Speed and High-Performance Boat Operation
Recommends familiarization rides for unfamiliar high-speed boats to ensure safe operation.
Outboard Remote Control Models
Explains the requirement for a start-in-neutral protection device on remote control units.
Remote Steering Notice
Warns about improper fasteners for steering link rods that can lead to loss of boat control.
Lanyard Stop Switch
Describes the function of the lanyard stop switch to shut off the engine if the operator is ejected.
Protecting People in the Water
Advises caution and reducing speed in areas where people may be in the water.
Passenger Safety Message - Pontoon Boats and Deck Boats
Provides safety advice regarding passenger seating and movement on pontoon and deck boats.
Wave and Wake Jumping
Warns about the hazards of operating a boat over waves at speeds that lift the hull.
Impact with Underwater Hazards
Recommends reducing speed and exercising caution in shallow or obstacle-prone waters.
Exhaust Emissions
Alerts users to carbon monoxide poisoning risks and the importance of ventilation.
Selecting Accessories for Your Outboard
Advises checking with the dealer before installing accessories to ensure compatibility and safety.
Safe Boating Suggestions
Offers suggestions for safe boating, including using flotation devices and proper loading.
Recording Serial Number
Highlights the importance of recording the engine's serial number for reference and identification.
25/30 Specifications
Provides detailed technical specifications for the 25/30 HP outboard motor models.
Components: 25/30M
Illustrates and labels the various components of the 25/30M outboard motor for identification.
Installation
Installing Outboard
Recommends professional installation of the outboard and accessories for proper performance and safety.
Installing the Remote Control Device (Right-Hand Steering)
Guides the positioning and installation of the remote control box to ensure unobstructed operation.
Attaching the Steering Link Rod
Warns about improper installation of steering link rods and stresses the use of self-locking nuts.
Battery Installation
Provides instructions for mounting the battery securely and making correct electrical connections.
Propeller Selection
Offers guidance on selecting the correct propeller for optimal outboard performance based on boat type.
Transporting
Trailering Boat/Outboard
Details how to properly trailer a boat with the outboard tilted down in a vertical operating position.
Removing the Motor
Outlines the steps for safely disconnecting and removing the outboard motor from the boat's hull.
Transporting Portable Fuel Tanks
Provides essential safety warnings and instructions for transporting portable fuel tanks to prevent fire or explosion.
Fuel & Oil
Fuel Recommendations
Advises on the type of gasoline and octane rating suitable for the engine to prevent damage.
Oil Recommendation
Specifies the recommended NMMA certified TC-W3 2-Cycle oil for engine lubrication and protection.
Mixing Fuel and Oil
Provides instructions and specific ratios for mixing gasoline and oil for the engine.
Filling Fuel Tank
Offers safety precautions and procedures for filling fuel tanks, including avoiding spills and open flames.
Gasolines Containing Alcohol
Discusses potential adverse effects of alcohol in gasoline on fuel system components and storage.
Features & Controls
Remote Control Features
Explains the functions and operations of the remote control handle, throttle, and switches.
Tilting Outboard
Describes how to tilt the outboard up and down using the reverse lock lever mechanism.
Shallow Water Operation
Details the shallow water tilt feature that allows higher tilt angles to prevent hitting the bottom.
Trim Adjustment
Guides on adjusting the motor trim for optimal boat leveling and stable cruising.
Steering Friction Adjustment
Explains how to adjust steering friction using the steering co-pilot for user preference.
Trim Tab Adjustment
Describes adjusting the trim tab to compensate for propeller steering torque and equalize steering effort.
Operation
Pre-Starting Check List
Lists essential checks to perform before starting the engine for safe and proper operation.
Operating in Freezing Temperatures
Advises on keeping the outboard tilted down in freezing conditions to prevent water damage.
Operating in Saltwater or Polluted Water
Recommends flushing the outboard with fresh water after use in salt or polluted water.
Operating at High Elevations
Discusses potential engine adjustments needed for operating at high altitudes due to air density.
Engine Break-in Procedure
Provides a detailed procedure for breaking in the new engine over 10 hours for optimal performance.
Starting the Engine
Gives step-by-step instructions for starting the outboard motor using either tiller or remote controls.
Warm-Up
Explains the importance of a three-minute warm-up period for oil circulation before cruising.
Gear Shifting
Details the correct procedures for shifting the outboard into Forward and Reverse gears safely.
Stopping the Engine
Outlines the correct procedures for stopping the outboard motor using the stop switch or lock.
Emergency Starting
Provides instructions for starting the engine using a spare starter rope if the primary system fails.
Maintenance
Outboard Care
Emphasizes regular inspections and maintenance for optimal outboard condition, safety, and dependability.
Selecting Replacement Parts for Your Outboard
Recommends using genuine Mercury or Quicksilver replacement parts and lubricants for best results.
EPA Regulations
States that all new outboards are certified to US EPA emission requirements.
EPA Emissions
Explains the emission certification label and the owner's responsibility for maintaining emission levels.
Fuse Replacement - Electric Start Remote Control Models
Details how to locate and replace blown fuses for the electric starting circuit.
Corrosion Control Anode
Explains the function of corrosion control anodes in protecting the outboard from galvanic corrosion.
Inspection and Maintenance Schedule
Lists inspection and maintenance tasks to be performed before each use and at periodic intervals.
Propeller Replacement
Provides safety warnings and step-by-step instructions for replacing the outboard propeller.
Spark Plug Inspection and Replacement
Guides on inspecting, replacing, and correctly gapping spark plugs for optimal engine performance.
Lubrication Points
Lists lubrication intervals and specific points for maintaining the outboard's moving parts.
Gearcase Lubrication
Details procedures for checking and changing the gearcase lubricant, including capacity and recommendations.
Submerged Outboard
Provides emergency measures to take if the outboard is submerged to minimize internal corrosion damage.
Storage
Storage Preparation
Outlines procedures to protect the outboard from rust, corrosion, and freezing damage during storage.
Protecting External Outboard Components
Advises on lubricating external components and touching up paint for protection.
Protecting Internal Engine Components
Details steps to protect internal engine parts using storage seal and proper fuel system preparation.
Gearcase
Refers to gearcase lubrication procedures required for proper storage.
Positioning Outboard for Storage
Recommends storing the outboard in a full down position to allow water drainage and prevent freezing.
Battery Storage
Provides instructions for safely storing the battery during the off-season, including recharging.
Troubleshooting
Starter Motor Will Not Crank The Engine (Electric Start Models)
Lists possible causes for the starter motor failing to crank the engine, such as blown fuses or weak battery.
Engine Will Not Start
Identifies common reasons why the engine may fail to start, including fuel issues and starting procedure errors.
Engine Runs Erratically
Provides potential causes for the engine running unevenly or erratically, such as fouled spark plugs.
Performance Loss
Lists factors that can lead to a decrease in engine performance, like incorrect propeller or boat loading.
Battery Will Not Hold Charge
Explains possible reasons why the battery may not retain its charge, such as poor connections or age.
Associated Parts
Associated Parts
Lists service tools, spare parts, and other items included with the outboard for maintenance and operation.
Accessories
Optional Accessories
Displays various optional accessories available for purchase to enhance the outboard's functionality.
Wiring Diagrams
Wiring Diagrams
Presents electrical system diagrams for remote control and engine components for troubleshooting and installation.
Owner Service Assistance
Local Repair Service
Advises returning the outboard to a local authorized dealer for factory-trained service and genuine parts.
Service Away from Home
Guides on contacting the nearest authorized dealer or Mercury Marine Service Office when away from home.
Parts and Accessories Inquiries
Directs all inquiries about genuine replacement parts and accessories to the authorized dealer.
Service Assistance
Provides steps for seeking assistance from dealers or Mercury Marine for product questions or problems.
Mercury Marine Service Offices
Lists contact information, including phone and fax, for Mercury Marine service offices worldwide.
Maintenance Log
Maintenance Log
A logbook provided to record all maintenance performed on the outboard and engine hours.
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