Power Package Preparation For Shipment; Extended Storage - Mercury MerCruiser Product Applications Manual

Predelivery Preparation
Although some performance can be regained by dropping to a lower pitch propeller, the
basic problem still exists. In some cases, a gear ratio change to more reduction is possible
and very beneficial.
Summer conditions of high temperature, low barometric pressure, and high humidity all
combine to reduce the engine power. This, in turn, is reflected in decreased boat speeds,
as much as 2 or 3 miles per hour in some cases.
In pointing out the practical consequences of weather effects, an engine running on a hot,
humid, summer day, may encounter a loss of as much as 14% of the horsepower. With
the drop in available horsepower, this propeller will, in effect, become too large.
Consequently, the engine operates at less than its recommended RPM. This will result in
further loss of horsepower at the propeller with another decrease in boat speed. This
secondary loss, however, can be somewhat regained by switching to a lower-pitch
propeller that allows the engine to again run at recommended RPM.
For boaters to realize optimum engine performance under changing weather conditions, it
is essential that the engine be propped to allow it to operate at or near the top end of the
recommended maximum RPM range at wide open throttle with a normal boat load.
Not only does this allow the engine to develop full power, but the engine will also be
operating in an RPM range that discourages detonation. This enhances overall reliability
and durability of the engine.

Power Package Preparation for Shipment

Extended Storage

If the boat will not be operated for more than a month, the engine should be prepared for
extended storage as outlined in the owner's operation, maintenance, and warranty manual.
This is particularly important to protect the internal surfaces of the engine against corrosion
and to avoid fuel system problems due to fuel decomposition. The products required to
perform this procedure are listed following (See Section 1 for part numbers).
• Quicksilver 2-Cycle Outboard Oil (required for EFI / MPI models only)
• Quicksilver Gasoline Stabilizer for Marine Engines
• Quicksilver Storage Seal (required for carbureted models only)
Be careful when changing fuel system components; gasoline is extremely flammable and
highly explosive under certain conditions. Be sure that ignition key is OFF. DO NOT
smoke or allow sources of spark or open flame in the area while changing fuel filter. Wipe
up any spilled fuel immediately.
Avoid Fire or Explosion: The fuel injection system is pressurized during operation. Use
care when removing the water separating fuel filter. Fuel could spray on the hot engine
causing fire or explosion. Allow the engine to cool down before attempting to remove the
water separating fuel filter in the following procedure.
DO NOT operate engine without water flowing through seawater pickup pump, as pump
impeller may be damaged and subsequent overheating damage to engine or sterndrive
unit may result.
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WARNING
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WARNING
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CAUTION
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90-863758060 AUGUST 2006