Launching And Boat Operation Care; Stolen Power Package; Replacement Service Parts - Mercury Ski User Manual

CA20

Launching And Boat Operation Care

! CAUTION
During launching from a trailer, if the unloading ramp is steep or the trailer bed must be tilted, the boat
may enter the water rapidly and at a steep angle. This may force water through the exhaust system into
the cylinders. The more weight on the transom, the more likely this is to occur.
Slowing down rapidly or stopping suddenly may cause a following wave to "swamp" the transom. In this
instance, water may enter the cylinders through the exhaust system.
When backing up rapidly, the same situation may occur as stated in the preceding paragraph.
In any of these situations, water entering the engine could cause severe damage to internal parts. Refer to
"Attention Required After Submersion".
CA21

Stolen Power Package

If your power package is stolen, immediately advise the local authorities and Mercury Marine of the model and
serial number(s) and to whom the recovery is to be reported. This "Stolen Motor" information is placed into a file
at Mercury Marine to aid authorities and dealers in recovery of stolen motors.
CA22

Replacement Service Parts

! WARNING
Electrical, ignition and fuel system components on MerCruiser gasoline power packages are designed
and manufactured to comply with U.S. Coast Guard rules and regulations to minimize risks of fire or
explosion.
Use of replacement electrical, ignition or fuel system components, which do not comply to these rules
and regulations, could result in a fire or explosion hazard and should be avoided.
When servicing the electrical, ignition and fuel systems, it is extremely important that all components
are properly installed and tightened. If not, any electrical or ignition component would permit sparks to
ignite fuel vapors from fuel system leaks, if they existed.
Marine engines are expected to operate at or near full-throttle for most of their life. They are also expected to
operate in both fresh and saltwater environments. These conditions require numerous special parts. Care
should be exercised when replacing marine engine parts as specifications are quite different from those of the
standard automotive engine.
For example, one of the most important, and probably the least suspected special replacement part, is the
cylinder head gasket. Since saltwater is highly corrosive, the steel-type automotive head gasket cannot be used.
A marine engine head gasket uses special materials to resist corrosive action.
Since marine engines must be capable of running at or near maximum RPM much of the time, special valve
springs, valve lifters, pistons, bearings, camshafts and other heavy-duty moving parts are required for long life
and peak performance.
These are but a few of the many special modifications that are required in MerCruiser marine engines to provide
long life and dependable performance.
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