Section 3 - On The Water
90-899883154 JANUARY 2008
Page 45
STARTING THE ENGINE
1. Check all items listed in the Operation Chart.
2. Place the remote control handle in neutral.
NOTICE
Without sufficient cooling water, the engine, the water pump, and other components will
overheat and suffer damage. Provide a sufficient supply of water to the water inlets during
operation.
!
WARNING
Explosive fumes contained in the engine compartment can cause serious injury or death
from fire or explosion. Before starting the engine, operate the bilge blower or vent the
engine compartment for at least five minutes.
NOTE: MerCruiser DTS models are equipped with SmartStart. The SmartStart feature
incorporates push‑button starting. Rather than holding the start button or key switch to start
the engine and then releasing it when the engine starts, SmartStart completely controls
the starting process. When the start button is pushed, the DTS system signals the engine
PCM to start the engine. If the engine does not start, the starting process times out after a
few seconds or when the engine reaches 400 RPM. Attempting to start the engine with the
engine already running will turn the engine off.
3. Turn the ignition key to the "RUN" position.
!
WARNING
A spinning propeller, a moving boat, or any solid device attached to the boat can cause
serious injury or death to swimmers. Stop the engine immediately whenever anyone in
the water is near your boat.
4. Turn the ignition key switch to the "START" position then release, or depress the start/
stop button and release. If the engine is cold, allow the engine to operate at idle for 6–
10 minutes or until the engine temperature reaches 60° C (140° F).
5. If the engine does not start after three attempts:
a.
Push the throttle‑only button and position the remote control handle or throttle
lever to the 1/4 throttle position.
b.
Turn the ignition key to "start." Release key when the engine starts and allow the
switch to return to the "on" position.
6. If the engine does not start after step 5:
a.
Move the remote control lever to the full throttle position, then return to 1/4 throttle.
b.
Turn the ignition key to "START." Release key when the engine starts and allow
the switch to return to the "on" position.
7. Inspect the power package for fuel, oil, water, and exhaust leaks.
8. Move the control handle with a firm, quick motion forward to shift to forward gear, or
backward to shift to reverse. After shifting, advance throttle to desired setting.
NOTICE
Shifting into gear at engine speeds above idle will damage the drive system. Shift the
drive into gear only when the engine is operating at idle.