Section 3 - On the Water
90-879172181
eng
FEBRUARY 2011
Page 29
Ventilation
Ventilation is caused by surface air or exhaust gases that are introduced around the propeller resulting in propeller speed‑up and
a reduction in boat speed. Air bubbles strike the propeller blade and cause erosion of the blade surface. If allowed to continue,
eventual blade failure (breakage) will occur. Excessive ventilation is usually caused by:
•
A missing propeller diffuser ring.
•
A damaged propeller or gear housing, which allows exhaust gases to escape between propeller and gear housing.
Propeller Selection
IMPORTANT: The installed propellers must allow the engine to reach engine Rated Speed (RPM) with the boat fully loaded and
with all customer stores on board. With the boat less than fully loaded the engines should reach engine Rated Speed (RPM) with
less than a 100% load. Use the VesselView display to verify engine RPM and percent load.
It is the responsibility of the boat manufacturer or the selling dealer to equip the power package with the correct propellers. Refer
to the engine Information Data Tag located on the engine for the specified engine Rated Speed (RPM). Information for the location
of the engine data tag can be found in the engine owners manual.
If full throttle engine RPM is below the engine Rated Speed (RPM), the propellers will have to be changed to prevent loss of
performance and possible engine damage.
After initial propeller selection, certain issues may require a propeller with a lower pitch. They include:
•
Operating with increased load (additional passengers or gear).
•
Shifting the center of gravity of the vessel.
•
The addition of towers or canvas.
•
Fouling of the hull and running gear.
•
High ambient temperatures.
•
Operating at high elevation.
It is the responsibility of the boat owner to ensure that the correct propellers are installed at delivery and maintained over the life
of the boat. Because of the many variables of boat design, only testing will determine the best propeller for a particular boat. If the
engine is not able to reach the engine Rated Speed (RPM), contact your boat builder, boat dealer, or an Authorized Cummins
MerCruiser Diesel Repair Facility for assistance in propeller selection. A list of propellers for the Zeus drive can be located in the
Zeus drive parts manual. Refer to the Zeus drive
Mercury Parts Manual—90-879150112
.
Getting Started
Break‑In Period (New or With Replacement Gears)
Always perform these procedures on new pod drives or pod drives with new replacement gears. This break‑in procedure allows
the proper seating of the pod drive gears and related components, which greatly reduces the likelihood of problems.
•
Avoid full throttle starts.
•
Do not operate at any one constant speed for extended periods of time.
•
Do not exceed 75% of full throttle during the first 5 hours. During the next 5 hours, operate at intermittent full throttle.
•
Shift the drive into forward gear a minimum of 10 times during break‑in, with run‑in time at moderate RPM after each shift.
•
After the first 25 hours and not to exceed 30 hours of operation, change the transmission fluid and filter including the
transmission fluid in the drop box, if equipped.
•
After the first 25 hours and not to exceed 30 hours of operation, change the gear lube in the drive gearcase and gear lube
monitor. (The task can be performed with the vessel in the water.)
DC‑to‑DC Voltage Regulator Switch, If Equipped
If the vessel is equipped with a 24‑volt system, a DC voltage regulator is required to supply 12‑volt power to the VIP and the other
12‑volt circuits. On some models, to allow the regulator to be turned on and off a switch is provided (on a separate circuit) by the
boat manufacturer. On all other models, the regulator is turned off and on by the keyswitch.
Switching the power on provides regulated power to the VIP and other 12‑volt circuits to allow the vessel to start. Switching the
DC voltage regulator off prevents the regulator from drawing power when the vessel is not operated.
Have your manufacturer or dealer show you the location and identify the DC voltage regulator switch for reference, if equipped.
1. Turn the switch on before attempting to start the engine.
2. Leave the switch on when the vessel is operating.
3. Turn the switch off when the vessel is not operating.
Summary of Contents for 92-858058K01
Page 4: ......
Page 8: ...Page iv 90 879172181 eng FEBRUARY 2011...
Page 78: ...Section 3 On the Water Notes Page 70 90 879172181 eng FEBRUARY 2011...
Page 128: ...Section 5 Maintenance Notes Page 120 90 879172181 eng FEBRUARY 2011...
Page 140: ...Section 7 Troubleshooting Notes Page 132 90 879172181 eng FEBRUARY 2011...
Page 146: ...Section 8 Customer Assistance Information Notes Page 138 90 879172181 eng FEBRUARY 2011...
