Albemarle 288 EXPRESS FISHERMAN, Owner'S Manual

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288 OBXF
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1.3 Engine Lubrication
2-cycle outboard motors are lubricated by a variable ratio
oil injection system. If your boat is equipped with 2-cycle
outboard engines, the oil tanks will be mounted below the
cockpit sole near the transom.
Always monitor the oil level before each cruise by checking
the gauge or indicator lights in the helm (not available on all
engine installations) or visually checking the oil level using
the reference marks on the tank.
When additional oil is needed, use only the type of oil specified
by the engine manufacturer. Refer to the engine owner’s
manual for oil specifications and additional information on
the oil injection system.
Note: Always monitor the oil level in the tank and
only use the type of oil specified by the engine
manufacturer.
Mercury Verado and all other 4-cycle outboard engines have
an oil sump in the crankcase that must be kept full of the type
and grade of oil recommended by the engine manufacturer.
It is normal for 4-cycle engines to consume a small amount
of oil. Therefore, the oil must be checked before each use
and changed at regular intervals as instructed by the engine
owner’s manual. As with 2-cycle engines, use only the type
of oil specified by the engine manufacturer.
1.4 Engine Cooling System
Outboard engines are raw water (seawater) cooled. Water
is pumped through the water inlets, circulated through the
engine block, and relinquished with the exhaust gases through
the propeller hub. The water pump uses a small impeller
made of synthetic rubber. The impeller and water pump
cannot run dry for more than a few seconds. In most outboard
motors, some cooling water is diverted through ports below
the engine cowling. This allows the operator to visually
check the operation of the cooling system. When the engine
is started, always check for a steady stream of water coming
out of those ports.
NEVER RUN AN OUTBOARD MOTOR WITHOUT
WATER FLOWING TO THE WATER PUMP. SERIOUS
DAMAGE TO THE WATER IMPELLER OR ENGINE
COULD RESULT.
Note: If the boat is used in salt or badly polluted water,
the engines should be flushed after each use.
Refer to the engine owner’s manual for the proper
engine flushing procedure.
1.5 Propellers
The propellers convert the engine’s power into thrust. They
come in a variety of styles, diameters and pitches. The one
that will best suit the needs of your boat will depend somewhat
on your application and expected average load. Propeller
sizes are identified by two numbers stamped on the prop in
sequence. The 1st number in the sequence (example 14
”
x
21”) is the diameter of the propeller, and the 2nd number is
the pitch. Pitch is the theoretical distance traveled by the
propeller in each revolution.
Always repair or replace a propeller immediately if it has
been damaged. A damaged and therefore out of balance
propeller can cause vibration that can be felt in the boat and
could damage the engine gear assembly. Refer to the engine
owner’s manual for information on propeller removal and
installation.
1.6 Performance Issues and Propellers
It is extremely important that the boat is propped to run at or
very near the recommended top RPM with an average load.
If the top RPM is above or below the recommend range, the
propellers must be changed to prevent loss of performance
and possible engine damage.
Mercury Outboard Four Blade Propeller