Specifications

CE29

Starting, Shifting and Stopping

BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE

WARNING

Do not use volatile starting aids, such as Ether, Propane, or Gasoline in the engine air intake system.

Explosion hazard resulting from ignition of vapors by glow plugs could cause severe personal injury

and engine damage.

CAUTION

It is good practice to ventilate the engine compartment prior to servicing any engine components to

remove any fuel vapors which may cause difficulty breathing or be an irritant.

IMPORTANT: As an added precaution, the following steps must be observed before starting:

• Do not start engine without water being supplied to seawater pickup pump (to prevent pump or

engine damage).

• Never operate the starter motor longer than 15 seconds at a time, to avoid overheating the starter

motor. If engine does not start, wait 1 minute to allow the starter motor to cool; then, repeat starting

procedure.

• Be sure engine crankcase is filled to correct level with the proper grade of oil for the prevailing tem-

perature. Refer to “Specifications - Crankcase Oil”.

• Be sure that all electrical connections are secure.

• Check the air cleaner for proper installation of filter element.

1 Check all items listed in the MAINTENANCE CHART AND OPERATION CHART (Refer to “Table Of Con-

tents”).

2 Perform any other necessary checks, as indicated by your dealer, or specified in your boat owner’s manual.

3 If engine has not been run for a period of time and will not readily start with the standard starting procedure,

there is a hand pump/primer located on the engine to improve initial fuel supply. Refer to “Maintenance - Fuel

System, Priming Fuel System” and follow instructions given.

CE347

STARTING COLD ENGINE

IMPORTANT: Check fluid levels before starting engine. Refer to Maintenance Schedule.

1 Turn on and run engine compartment bilge blower (if so equipped) for five minutes. Or, open engine hatch

to air out bilge before attempting to start engine(s).

2 Turn key switch to RUN position. Observe preheat indicator (glow plug) lamp. Lamp should be illuminated

when engine is cold. The engine should be started only after the lamp goes off.

NOTE: Engine can be started once preheat indicator lamp goes out.

3 Turn key switch to START position. Release key when engine starts and allow switch to return to RUN posi-

tion.

4 Check to ensure all instrumentation is functioning properly and indicating normal readings. Check to ensure

charge indicator and oil pressure warning lamps go out. Within seconds after starting the engine, oil pressure

should exceed 10 psi (69 kPa) minimum. If the oil pressure does not meet these minimum limits, stop the engine,

locate and correct the problem, or see your Authorized MerCruiser Dealer if you are unable to determine the

problem.

CAUTION

Do not increase the engine speed until the oil pressure gauge indicates normal. Shut the engine down

if oil pressure does not register on the gauge within 20 to 30 seconds after start.