Starting, Shifting And Stopping - Mercury Ski User Manual

CC509

Starting, Shifting And Stopping

Before starting engine, operate bilge blower for at least five minutes to remove any explosive fumes from
engine compartment. If boat is not equipped with a bilge blower, open engine hatch and leave open while
starting engine.
IMPORTANT: Observe the following:
Do not start engine without water being supplied to seawater pickup pump (to prevent pump or
engine damage).
Do not operate starter motor continuously for more than 30 seconds.
On Carbureted Engines: When engine starts, quickly reduce throttle setting to avoid exceeding 1500
RPM.
Never shift drive unit unless engine is at Idle RPM.
Perform the following as appropriate:
1
Check all items listed in OPERATION CHART.
2
Perform any other necessary checks, as indicated by your dealer, or specified in your boat owner's manual.
3
Place control handle in NEUTRAL.
4
Refer to A or B as appropriate for your model.
A
Carbureted Engine - Position throttle setting as follows:
COLD ENGINE - Move control/throttle lever to full throttle, then return to about 1/4 throttle. In extreme cold
it may be necessary to pump lever more than once.
WARM ENGINE - Move control/throttle lever to 1/4 throttle position.
FLOODED ENGINE - Move control/throttle lever to full throttle. Be prepared to decrease engine speed to
1000-1500 RPM as soon as engine starts.
B
EFI Engine - Position throttle setting as follows:
COLD ENGINE - Leave in neutral/idle speed position.
WARM ENGINE - Leave in neutral/idle speed position.
FLOODED ENGINE - Turn ignition switch to ON position. Place the throttle lever at 50% position. Attempt
to start engine. As soon as engine starts, return throttle to the idle position.
5
Turn ignition key to START. Release key when engine starts and allow switch to return to RUN position.
6
Carbureted Engines - Move control/ throttle lever back to decrease engine RPM to 1000-1500 RPM if
necessary.
7
Check oil pressure gauge immediately after engine starts. If oil pressure is not within specified range (see
SPECIFICATIONS), stop engine immediately and determine cause.
8
If engine is cold, run engine for 1 or 2 minutes at fast idle (1000-1500 RPM).
9
After engine has warmed up, check water temperature gauge to ensure that engine temperature is not
abnormally high. If it is, stop engine immediately and determine cause.
10
Be sure charging system is functioning correctly.
11
Observe power package for fuel, oil, water and exhaust leaks.
12
To shift unit into gear, move control/shift lever with a firm, quick motion forward to shift to FORWARD gear,
or backward to shift to REVERSE. After shifting unit, advance throttle to desired setting.
13
To shift unit out of gear, move control/shift lever to NEUTRAL and allow engine to drop to IDLE speed. If engine
has been run at high speed for a long period of time, allow engine to cool by running at IDLE speed for 3 to 5
minutes.
14
Turn ignition key to OFF.
24
! WARNING