Mercury 4.3 TKS series, Operation & Maintenance Manual

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Section 4 - Maintenance
90-8M0113857
eng
DECEMBER 2015 Page 65
IMPORTANT: When a boat or new drive is first put into service the LED may initially indicate that the protective current is not
being supplied through the MerCathode anode. This condition is normal, and, in such cases, the LED may flash for a period.
The light from the LED will become steady after the boat is moored for a period of eight hours without operation.
MerCathode LED Codes
MerCathode LED Definition Required Action
On (no flash)
No fault. The controller is
working properly.
No action is necessary. This is the normal LED indication for a
properly functioning MerCathode system.
2 flashes per second
Reference voltage is below
0.84 V.
This may be normal. Monitor the LED over time. If the flashing
continues, contact your local Mercury Service dealer for
assistance.
1 flash every 4 seconds
Reference voltage is above
1.04 V.
Contact your local Mercury Service dealer for assistance.
1 long flash every 10
seconds
Shorted or open reference
terminal.
Contact your local Mercury Service dealer for assistance.
2 long flashes every 10
seconds
Shorted or open anode
terminal.
Contact your local Mercury Service dealer for assistance.
1 long flash every 60
seconds
Open anode and reference
terminals, or the boat is out of
the water/dry docked.
• If the boat is out of the water, no action is necessary; this is a
normal LED flash sequence.
• If the boat is in the water, contact your local Mercury Service
dealer for assistance.
LED not on
Controller is not operating or
is faulty.
• Check the battery voltage; it must be 12.6 V or higher.
• Check the 5‑amp fuse in the controller wire harness.
• If further assistance is required, contact your local Mercury
Service dealer.
Power Package Exterior Surfaces
1. Spray the entire power package at recommended intervals with Corrosion Guard. Follow the instructions on the can for
proper application.
Tube Ref No. Description Where Used Part No.
120
Corrosion Guard Painted surfaces 92-802878 55
2. Clean the entire power package. External surfaces that have become bare should be repainted with the recommended
primer and spray paint at recommended intervals.
Description Part Number
Mercury Light Gray Primer
Painted surfaces
92‑802878 52
Mercury Phantom Black 92‑802878Q 1
Boat Bottom Care
To achieve maximum performance and fuel economy, the boat bottom must be kept clean. Accumulation of marine growth or
other foreign matter can greatly reduce boat speed and increase fuel consumption. To ensure best performance and efficiency,
periodically clean the boat bottom in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations.
In some areas, it may be advisable to paint the bottom to help prevent marine growth. Refer to the following information for
special notes about the use of antifouling paints.
Painting Your Power Package
IMPORTANT: Corrosion damage that results from the improper application of antifouling paint will not be covered by the limited
warranty.
1.
Painting the boat hull or transom
: you may apply antifouling paint to the boat hull and transom. However, observe the
following:
IMPORTANT: Do not paint anodes or MerCathode System reference electrode and anode. Paint will render them
ineffective as inhibitors of galvanic corrosion.
IMPORTANT: If antifouling protection is required for the boat hull or transom, you can use copper‑based or tin‑based
paints where not prohibited by law. If using copper‑based or tin‑based antifouling paints, observe the following: