Mercury 135 Optimax, 150 Optimax, 175 Optimax, 200 OptiMax, 225 OptiMax Maintance Manual

Welcome Aboard!

Proper care and maintenance is an important part in keeping your Mercury Product operating at peak efficiency for maximum performance and economy. The enclosed Owner's Registration Card is your key to trouble-free family fun. Refer to your Operation and Maintenance Manual for full details of your warranty coverage.

Details of your nearest dealer can be found on www.marinepower.com where country maps and full contact information are displayed.

Is your engine properly registered for warranty purpose? Please check on www.marinepower.com. If necessary, please contact your local dealer.

If the outboard motor’s serial number plate contains the CE mark in the lower left-hand corner, the following statement applies:

This outboard motor manufactured by Mercury Marine, Fond du Lac, WI, USA or Marine Power Europe Inc. Park Industrel, de Petit-Rechain, Belgium complies with the requirements of the following directives and standards, as amended:

Recreational Craft Directive: 94/25/EC; std. ISO 8665, ISO 11547

Machinery Directive: 98/37/EC,

EMC Directive: 89/336/EC; std. EN50081-1, SAE J551 (CISPR Pub. 12),

EN 50082-1, IEC 61000 PT4-2, IEC 61000 PT4-3

Patrick C. Mackey

President, Mercury Marine, Fond du Lac, WI USA

European Regulations Contact:

Product Environmental Engineering Department, Mercury Marine, Fond du Lac, WI USA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Warranty Information

Transfer Of Warranty..............................................................................................................................................1

Warranty Registration United States And Canada................................................................................................. 1

Warranty Registration Outside The United States And Canada............................................................................. 1

Mercury Marine Two Years Limited Warranty (Europe)......................................................................................... 2

Mercury Marine One Year Limited Warranty (Confederation of Independent States, Middle-East, Africa)............ 3

3 Year Limited Warranty Against Corrosion........................................................................................................... 5

Warranty Coverage And Exclusions.......................................................................................................................6

General Information

Boater's Responsibilities......................................................................................................................................... 8

Before Operating Your Outboard............................................................................................................................ 8

Boat Horsepower Capacity..................................................................................................................................... 8

High-Speed And High-Performance Boat Operation.............................................................................................. 9

Outboard Remote Control Models .........................................................................................................................9

Remote Steering Notice.........................................................................................................................................9

Lanyard Stop Switch.............................................................................................................................................10

Protecting People In The Water........................................................................................................................... 11

Passenger Safety Message - Pontoon Boats And Deck Boats............................................................................12

Wave And Wake Jumping.................................................................................................................................... 12

Impact With Underwater Hazards.........................................................................................................................13

Exhaust Emissions...............................................................................................................................................14

Selecting Accessories For Your Outboard...........................................................................................................15

Safe Boating Suggestions....................................................................................................................................15

Recording Serial Number..................................................................................................................................... 16

135/150/175 OptiMax Specifications....................................................................................................................16

Component Identification......................................................................................................................................18

Installation

Installing Outboard...............................................................................................................................................19

Propeller Selection...............................................................................................................................................20

Transporting

Trailering Boat/Outboard ..................................................................................................................................... 21

Fuel and Oil

Gasoline Recommendations................................................................................................................................22

Oil Recommendation............................................................................................................................................22

Fuel Additives.......................................................................................................................................................22

Fuel Requirements...............................................................................................................................................22

Avoiding Fuel Flow Restriction.............................................................................................................................23

Filling Remote Oil Tank........................................................................................................................................23

Filling Engine Mounted Oil Reservoir Tank.......................................................................................................... 23

Filling Fuel Tank...................................................................................................................................................23

TABLE OF CONTENTS

iii

Features and Controls

Remote Control Features..................................................................................................................................... 24

Warning System................................................................................................................................................... 24

Power Trim And Tilt.............................................................................................................................................. 26

Operation

Pre-Starting Check List......................................................................................................................................... 30

Operating In Freezing Temperatures................................................................................................................... 30

Operating In Salt Water Or Polluted Water.......................................................................................................... 30

Operating at High Elevations................................................................................................................................ 30

Setting Trim Angle While Running Engine at Idle Speed..................................................................................... 30

Engine Break-in Procedure.................................................................................................................................. 31

Starting The Engine..............................................................................................................................................31

Gear Shifting.........................................................................................................................................................33

Stopping The Engine............................................................................................................................................ 34

Maintenance

Outboard Care......................................................................................................................................................35

EPA Emissions..................................................................................................................................................... 35

Inspection And Maintenance Schedule................................................................................................................ 36

Flushing The Cooling System...............................................................................................................................36

Top Cowl Removal And Installation......................................................................................................................37

Cleaning Care for Top Cowl................................................................................................................................. 38

Flywheel Cover Removal and Installation............................................................................................................ 38

Fuel System..........................................................................................................................................................38

Steering Link Rod Fasteners................................................................................................................................ 39

Fuse Replacement............................................................................................................................................... 40

Corrosion Control Anode...................................................................................................................................... 41

Battery Inspection ................................................................................................................................................41

Battery Information............................................................................................................................................... 42

Propeller Replacement......................................................................................................................................... 43

Spark Plug Inspection And Replacement............................................................................................................. 45

Compressor Air Intake Filter.................................................................................................................................46

Alternator Belt Inspection..................................................................................................................................... 46

Lubrication Points................................................................................................................................................. 47

Gearcase Lubrication........................................................................................................................................... 49

Submerged Outboard........................................................................................................................................... 50

Storage

Storage Preparation............................................................................................................................................. 51

Protecting Internal Engine Components............................................................................................................... 51

Protecting External Outboard Components..........................................................................................................51

Gearcase.............................................................................................................................................................. 51

Positioning Outboard For Storage........................................................................................................................ 52

Battery Storage.....................................................................................................................................................52

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Troubleshooting

Starter Motor Will Not Crank the Engine.............................................................................................................. 53

Engine Will Not Start............................................................................................................................................ 53

Engine Runs Erratically........................................................................................................................................ 53

Performance Loss................................................................................................................................................ 54

Battery Will Not Hold Charge................................................................................................................................54

OWNER SERVICE ASSISTANCE

Local Repair Service............................................................................................................................................ 55

Service Away From Home....................................................................................................................................55

Parts And Accessories Inquiries...........................................................................................................................55

Service Assistance............................................................................................................................................... 55

Mercury Marine Service Offices........................................................................................................................... 55

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Transfer Of Warranty

The limited warranty is transferable to a subsequent purchaser, but only for the remainder of the unused portion of the limited warranty. This will not apply to products used for commercial applications.

To transfer the warranty to the subsequent owner, send or fax a copy of the bill of sale or purchase agreement, new owner’s name, address and engine serial number to Mercury Marine’s warranty registration department.

Mercury Marine Attn: Warranty Registration Department W6250 W. Pioneer Road P.O. Box 1939 Fond du Lac, WI 54936-1939 920-929-5054

Upon processing the transfer of warranty, Mercury Marine will send registration verification to the new owner of the product by mail.

There is no charge for this service.

For products purchased outside the United States and Canada, contact the distributor in your country, or the Mercury Marine Service Office closest to you.

Warranty Registration United States And Canada

1. You may change your address at any time, including at time of warranty claim, by calling Mercury Marine or sending a letter or fax with your name, old address, new address, and engine serial number to Mercury Marine’s warranty registration department. Your dealer can also process this change of information.

Mercury Marine Attn: Warranty Registration Department W6250 W. Pioneer Road P.O. Box 1939 Fond du Lac, WI 54936-1939 920-929-5054

NOTE: Registration lists must be maintained by Mercury Marine and any dealer on marine products sold in the United States, should a safety recall notification under the Federal Safety Act be required.

2. To be eligible for warranty coverage, the product must be registered with Mercury Marine. At the time of sale, the dealer should complete the warranty registration and immediately submit it to Mercury Marine via MercNET, E-mail, or mail. Upon receipt of this warranty registration, Mercury Marine will record the registration.

3. Upon processing the warranty registration, Mercury Marine will send registration verification by mail to the purchaser of the product. If this registration verification is not received within 30 days, please contact your selling dealer immediately. Warranty coverage is not effective until your product is registered with Mercury Marine.

Warranty Registration Outside The United States And Canada

1. It is important that your selling dealer fills out the Warranty Registration Card completely and mails it to the distributor or Marine Power Service Center responsible for administering the warranty registration/claim program for your area.

2. The Warranty Registration Card identifies your name and address, product model and serial numbers, date of sale, type of use and the selling distributor's/dealer's code number, name and address. The distributor/ dealer also certifies that you are the original purchaser and user of the product.

3. A copy of the Warranty Registration Card, designated as the Purchaser's Copy, MUST be given to you immediately after the card has been completely filled out by the selling distributor/dealer. This card represents your factory registration identification, and should be retained by you for future use when required. Should you ever require warranty service on this product, your dealer may ask you for the Warranty Registration Card to verify date of purchase and to use the information on the card to prepare the warranty claim forms.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

4. In some countries, the Marine Power Service Center will issue you a permanent (plastic) Warranty Registration Card within 30 days after receiving the Factory Copy of the Warranty Registration Card from your distributor/dealer. If you receive a plastic Warranty Registration Card, you may discard the Purchaser's Copy that you received from the distributor/dealer when you purchased the product. Ask your distributor/ dealer if this plastic card program applies to you.

IMPORTANT: Registration lists must be maintained by the factory and dealer in some countries by law. It is our desire to have ALL products registered at the factory should it ever be necessary to contact you. Make sure your dealer/distributor fills out the warranty registration card immediately and sends the factory copy to the Marine Power International Service Center for your area.

5. For further information concerning the Warranty Registration Card and its relationship to Warranty Claim processing, refer to the International Warranty.

Mercury Marine Two Years Limited Warranty (Europe)

WHAT IS COVERED: Mercury Marine warrants each new Mercury Outboard, Mariner Outboard, Jet Products, Thruster Electric Trolling Motors, Mercruiser Inboard or Sterndrive engine products to be free of defects in material and workmanship during the period described below.

DURATION OF COVERAGE: This Limited Warranty provides coverage for two (2) years from the date the product is first sold to a recreational use retail purchaser, or the date on which the product is first put into service, whichever occurs first. Commercial users of these products receive warranty coverage of two (2) years from the date of first retail sale, or the accumulation of 500 hours of operation, whichever occurs first. Commercial use is defined as any work or employment related use of the product, or any use of the product which generates income, for any part of the warranty period, even if the product is only occasionally used for such purposes. The repair or replacement of parts, or the performance of service under this warranty, does not extend the life of this warranty beyond its original expiration date. Unexpired warranty coverage can be transferred to one recreational use to a subsequent recreational use customer upon proper re–registration of the product.

CONDITIONS THAT MUST BE MET IN ORDER TO OBTAIN WARRANTY COVERAGE: Warranty coverage is availble only to retail customers that purchase from a Dealer authorized by Mercury Marine to distribute the product in the country in which the sale occurred, and then only after the Mercury Marine specified pre–delivery inspection process is completed and documented. Warranty coverage becomes available upon proper registration of the product by the authorized dealer. Inaccurate warranty registration information regarding recreational use, or subsequent change of use from recreational to commercial (unless properly re–registered) may void the warranty at the sole discretion of Mercury Marine. Routine maintenance outlined in the Operation and Maintenance Manual must be timely performed in order to maintain warranty coverage. If this maintenance is performed by the retail customer Mercury Marine reserves the right to make future warranty coverage contingent on proof of proper maintenance.

WHAT MERCURY WILL DO: Mercury’s sole and exclusive obligation under this warranty is limited to, at our option, repairing a defective part, replacing such part or parts with new or Mercury Marine certified re–manufactured parts, or refunding the purchase price of the Mercury product. Mercury reserves the right to improve or modify products from time to time without assuming an obligation to modify products previously manufactured.

HOW TO OBTAIN WARRANTY COVERAGE: The customer must provide Mercury with a reasonable opportunity to repair, and reasonable access to the product for warranty service. Warranty claims shall be made by delivering the product for inspection to a Mercury dealer authorized to service the product. If purchaser cannot deliver the product to such a dealer, written notice must be given to Mercury. We will then arrange for the inspection and any covered repair. Purchaser in that case shall pay for all related transportation charges and/or travel time. If the service provided is not covered by this warranty, purchaser shall pay for all related labor and material, and any other expenses associated with that service. Purchaser shall not, unless requested by Mercury, ship the product or parts of the product directly to Mercury. The warranty registration card is the only valid registration identification and must be presented to the dealer at the time warranty service is requested in order to obtain coverage.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

WHAT IS NOT COVERED: This limited warranty does not cover routine maintenance items, tune ups, adjustments, normal wear and tear, damage caused by abuse, abnormal use, use of a propeller or gear ratio that does not allow the engine to run in its recommended wide open throttle RPM range (see the Operation and Maintenance Manual), operation of the product in a manner inconsistent with the recommended operation/duty cycle section of the Operation and Maintenance Manual, neglect, accident, submersion, improper installation (proper installation specifications and techniques are set forth in the installation instructions for the product), improper service, use of an accessory or part not manufactured or sold by us, jet pump impellers and liners, operation with fuels, oils or lubricants which are not suitable for use with the product (see the Operation and Maintenance Manual), alteration or removal of parts, or water entering the engine through the fuel intake, air intake or exhaust system. Use of the product for racing or other competitive activity, or operating with a racing type lower unit, at any point, even by a prior owner of the product, voids the warranty.

Expenses related to haul out, launch, towing, storage, telephone, rental, inconvenience, slip fees, insurance coverage, loan payments, loss of time, loss of income, or any other type of incidental or consequential damages are not covered by this warranty. Also, expenses associated with the removal and/or replacement of boat partitions or material caused by boat design for access to the product are not covered by this warranty.

No individual or entity, including Mercury Marine authorized dealers, has been given authority by Mercury Marine to make any affirmation, representation or warranty regarding the product, other than those contained in this limited warranty, and if made, shall not be enforceable against Mercury Marine.

For additional information regarding events and circumstances covered by this warranty, and those that are not, see the Warranty Coverage section of the Operation and Maintenance Manual, incorporated by reference into this warranty.

DISCLAIMERS AND LIMITATIONS:

THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMED. TO THE EXTENT THAT THEY CANNOT BE DISCLAIMED, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE LIFE OF THE EXPRESS WARRANTY. INCIDENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARE EXCLUDED FROM COVERAGE UNDER THIS WARRANTY. SOME STATES/COUNTRIES DO NOT ALLOW FOR THE DISCLAIMERS, LIMITATIONS AND EXCLUSIONS IDENTIFIED ABOVE, AS A RESULT, THEY MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER LEGAL RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE AND COUNTRY TO COUNTRY.

Mercury Marine One Year Limited Warranty (Confederation of Independent States, Middle-East, Africa)

WHAT IS COVERED: Mercury Marine warrants each new Mercury outboard, Mariner outboard, Jet Products, Thruster Electric Trolling Motors, Mercruiser Inboard or Sterndrive engine products to be free of defects in material and workmanship during the period described below.

DURATION OF COVERAGE: This Limited Warranty provides coverage for one (1) year from the date the product is first sold to a recreational use retail purchaser, or the date on which the product is first put into service, whichever occurs first. Commercial users of these products receive warranty coverage of one (1) years from the date of first retail sale, or the accumulation of 500 hours of operation, whichever occurs first. Commercial use is defined as any work or employment related use of the product, or any use of the product which generates income, for any part of the warranty period, even if the product is only occasionally used for such purposes. The repair or replacement of parts, or the performance of service under this warranty, does not extend the life of this warranty beyond its original expiration date. Unexpired warranty coverage can be transferred to a subsequent purchaser upon proper re–registration of the product.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

CONDITIONS THAT MUST BE MET IN ORDER TO OBTAIN WARRANTY COVERAGE: Warranty coverage is available only to retail customers that purchase from a Dealer authorized by Mercury Marine to distribute the product in the country in which the sale occurred, and then only after the Mercury Marine specified pre–delivery inspection process is completed and documented. Warranty coverage becomes available upon proper registration of the product by the authorized dealer. Inaccurate warranty registration information regarding recreational use, or subsequent change of use from recreational to commercial (unless properly re–registered) may void the warranty at the sole discretion of Mercury Marine. Routine maintenance outlined in the Operation and Maintenance Manual must be timely performed in order to maintain warranty coverage. If this maintenance is performed by the retail customer Mercury Marine reserves the right to make future warranty coverage contingent on proof of proper maintenance.

HOW TO OBTAIN WARRANTY COVERAGE: The customer must provide Mercury with a reasonable opportunity to repair, and reasonable access to the product for warranty service. Warranty claims shall be made by delivering the product for inspection to a Mercury dealer authorized to service the product. If purchaser cannot deliver the product to such a dealer, written notice must be given to Mercury. We will then arrange for the inspection and any covered repair. Purchaser in that case shall pay for all related transportation charges and/or travel time. If the service provided is not covered by this warranty, purchaser shall pay for all related laborand material, and any other expenses associated with that service. Purchaser shall not, unless requested by Mercury, ship the product or parts of the product directly to Mercury. The warranty registration card is the only valid registration identificationand must be presented to the dealer at the time warranty service is requested in order to obtain coverage.

Expenses related to haul out, launch, towing, storage, telephone, rental, inconvenience, slip fees, insurance coverage, loan payments, loss of time, loss of income, or any other type of incidental or consequential damages are not coveredby this warranty. Also, expenses associated with the removal and/or replacement of boat partitions or material caused by boat design for access to the product are not covered by this warranty.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

DISCLAIMERS AND LIMITATIONS:

3 Year Limited Warranty Against Corrosion

WHAT IS COVERED: Mercury Marine warrants that each new Mercury, Mariner, Mercury Racing, Sport Jet, M

Jet Drive, Tracker by Mercury Marine Outboard, MerCruiser Inboard or sterndrive engine (Product) will not be rendered inoperative as a direct result of corrosion for the period of time described below.

DURATION OF COVERAGE: This limited corrosion warranty provides coverage for three (3) years from either the date the product is first sold, or the date on which the product is first put into service, whichever occurs first. The repair or replacement of parts, or the performance of service under this warranty does not extend the life of this warranty beyond its original expiration date. Unexpired warranty coverage can be transferred to subsequent (non-commercial use) purchaser upon proper re-registration of the product.

CONDITIONS THAT MUST BE MET IN ORDER TO OBTAIN WARRANTY COVERAGE: Warranty coverage is available only to retail customers that purchase from a Dealer authorized by Mercury Marine to distribute the product in the country in which the sale occurred, and then only after the Mercury Marine specified pre-delivery inspection process is completed and documented. Warranty coverage becomes available upon proper registration of the product by the authorized dealer. Corrosion prevention devices specified in the Operation and Maintenance Manual must be in use on the boat, and routine maintenance outlined in the Operation and Maintenance Manual must be timely performed (including without limitation the replacement of sacrificial anodes, use of specified lubricants, and touch-up of nicks and scratches) in order to maintain warranty coverage. Mercury Marine reserves the right to make warranty coverage contingent upon proof of proper maintenance.

WHAT MERCURY WILL DO: Mercury's sole and exclusive obligation under this warranty is limited to, at our option, repairing a corroded part, replacing such part or parts with new or Mercury Marine certified re-manufactured parts, or refunding the purchase price of the Mercury product. Mercury reserves the right to improve or modify products from time to time without assuming an obligation to modify products previously manufactured.

HOW TO OBTAIN WARRANTY COVERAGE: The customer must provide Mercury with a reasonable opportunity to repair, and reasonable access to the product for warranty service. Warranty claims shall be made by delivering the product for inspection to a Mercury dealer authorized to service the product. If purchaser cannot deliver the product to such a dealer, written notice must be given to Mercury. We will then arrange for the inspection and any covered repair. Purchaser in that case shall pay for all related transportation charges and/or travel time. If the service provided is not covered by this warranty, purchaser shall pay for all related labor and material, and any other expenses associated with that service. Purchaser shall not, unless requested by Mercury, ship the product or parts of the product directly to Mercury. Proof of registered ownership must be presented to the dealer at the time warranty service is requested in order to obtain coverage.

WHAT IS NOT COVERED: This limited warranty does not cover electrical system corrosion; corrosion resulting from damage, corrosion which causes purely cosmetic damage, abuse or improper service; corrosion to accessories, instruments, steering systems; corrosion to factory installed jet drive unit; damage due to marine growth; product sold with less than a one year limited Product warranty; replacement parts (parts purchased by customer); products used in a commercial application. Commercial use is defined as any work or employment related use of the product, or any use of the product which generates income, for any part of the warranty period, even if the product is only occasionally used for such purposes.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

Corrosion damage caused by stray electrical currents (on-shore power connections, nearby boats, submerged metal) is not covered by this corrosion warranty and should be protected against by the use of a corrosion protection system, such as the Mercury Precision Parts or Quicksilver MerCathode system and/or Galvanic Isolator. Corrosion damage caused by improper application of copper base anti-fouling paints is also not covered by this limited warranty. If anti-fouling protection is required, Tri-Butyl-Tin-Adipate (TBTA) base anti-fouling paints are recommended on Outboard and MerCruiser boating applications. In areas where TBTA base paints are prohibited by law, copper base paints can be used on the hull and transom. Do not apply paint to the outboard or MerCruiser product. In addition, care must be taken to avoid an electrical interconnection between the warranted product and the paint. For MerCruiser product, an unpainted gap of at least 38 mm (1.5 in.) should be left around the transom assembly. Refer to the Operation and Maintenance Manual for additional details.

DISCLAIMERS AND LIMITATIONS:

Warranty Coverage And Exclusions

The purpose of this section is to help eliminate some of the more common misunderstandings regarding warranty coverage. The following information explains some of the types of services that are not covered by warranty. The provisions set forth following have been incorporated by reference into the Three Year Limited Warranty Against Corrosion Failure, the International Limited Outboard Warranty, and the United States and Canada Limited Outboard Warranty.

Keep in mind that warranty covers repairs that are needed within the warranty period because of defects in material and workmanship. Installation errors, accidents, normal wear, and a variety of other causes that affect the product are not covered.

Warranty is limited to defects in material or workmanship, but only when the consumer sale is made in the country to which distribution is authorized by us.

Should you have any questions concerning warranty coverage, contact your authorized dealer. They will be pleased to answer any questions that you may have.

GENERAL EXCLUSIONS FROM WARRANTY

1. Minor adjustments and tune-ups, including checking, cleaning or adjusting spark plugs, ignition components, carburetor settings, filters, belts, controls, and checking lubrication made in connection with normal services.

2. Factory installed jet drive units - Specific parts excluded from the warranty are: The jet drive impeller and jet drive liner damaged by impact or wear, and water damaged drive shaft bearings as a result of improper maintenance.

3. Damage caused by neglect, lack of maintenance, accident, abnormal operation or improper installation or service.

4. Haul out, launch, towing charges, removal and/or replacement of boat partitions or material because of boat design for necessary access to the product, all related transportation charges and/or travel time, etc. Reasonable access must be provided to the product for warranty service. Customer must deliver product to an authorized dealer.

5. Additional service work requested by customer other than that necessary to satisfy the warranty obligation.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

6. Labor performed by other than an authorized dealer may be covered only under following circumstances: When performed on emergency basis (providing there are no authorized dealers in the area who can perform the work required or have no facilities to haul out, etc., and prior factory approval has been given to have the work performed at this facility).

7. All incidental and/or consequential damages (storage charges, telephone or rental charges of any type, inconvenience or loss of time or income) are the owner's responsibility.

8. Use of other than Mercury Precision or Quicksilver parts when making warranty repairs.

9. Oils, lubricants or fluids changed as a matter of normal maintenance is customer's responsibility unless loss or contamination of same is caused by product failure that would be eligible for warranty consideration.

10. Participating in or preparing for racing or other competitive activity or operating with a racing type lower unit.

11. Engine noise does not necessarily indicate a serious engine problem. If diagnosis indicates a serious internal engine condition which could result in a failure, condition responsible for noise should be corrected under the warranty.

12. Lower unit and/or propeller damage caused by striking a submerged object is considered a marine hazard.

13. Water entering engine through the fuel intake, air intake or exhaust system or submersion.

14. Failure of any parts caused by lack of cooling water, which results from starting motor out of water, foreign material blocking inlet holes, motor being mounted too high or trimmed too far out.

15. Use of fuels and lubricants which are not suitable for use with or on the product. Refer to the Maintenance section.

16. Our limited warranty does not apply to any damage to our products caused by the installation or use of parts and accessories which are not manufactured or sold by us. Failures which are not related to the use of those parts or accessories are covered under warranty if they otherwise meet the terms of the limited warranty for that product.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Boater's Responsibilities

The operator (driver) is responsible for the correct and safe operation of the boat and safety of its occupants and general public. It is strongly recommended that each operator (driver) read and understand this entire manual before operating the outboard.

Be sure at least one additional person on board is instructed in the basics of starting and operating the outboard and boat handling in case the driver is unable to operate the boat.

Before Operating Your Outboard

Read this manual carefully. Learn how to operate your outboard properly. If you have any questions, contact your dealer.

Safety and operating information that is practiced, along with using good common sense, can help prevent personal injury and product damage.

This manual as well as safety labels posted on the outboard use the following safety alerts to draw your attention to special safety instructions that should be followed.

DANGER

DANGER - indicates an imminently hazardous situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or serious injury.

WARNING

WARNING - indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.

CAUTION

CAUTION - indicates a potentially hazardous situation that, if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury or property damage. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices.

Boat Horsepower Capacity

WARNING

Using an outboard that exceeds the maximum horsepower limit of a boat can: 1) cause loss of boat control 2) place too much weight at the transom altering the designed flotation characteristics of the boat or 3) cause the boat to break apart particularly around the transom area. Overpowering a boat can result in serious injury, death or boat damage.

Do not overpower or overload your boat. Most boats will carry a required capacity plate indicating the maximum acceptable power and load as determined by the manufacturer following certain federal guidelines. If in doubt, contact your dealer or the boat manufacturer.

GENERAL INFORMATION

U.S. COAST GUARD CAPACITY MAXIMUM HORSEPOWER XXX

MAXIMUM PERSON CAPACITY (POUNDS) XXX

MAXIMUM WEIGHT CAPACITY XXX

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High-Speed And High-Performance Boat Operation

If your outboard is to be used on a high speed or high performance boat with which you are unfamiliar, we recommend that you never operate it at its high speed capability without first requesting an initial orientation and familiarization demonstration ride with your dealer or an operator experienced with your boat/outboard combination. For additional information, obtain a copy of our Hi-Performance Boat Operation booklet (part number 90-849250--1) from your dealer, distributor, or Mercury Marine.

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Outboard Remote Control Models

The remote control connected to your outboard must be equipped with a start in neutral only protection device. This prevents the engine from starting when the shift is actuated in any position other than neutral.

WARNING

Avoid serious injury or death from a sudden unexpected acceleration when starting your engine. The design of this outboard requires that the remote control used with it must have a built in start in neutral only protection device.

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Remote Steering Notice

The steering link rod that connects the steering cable to the engine must be fastened utilizing self-locking nuts. These self-locking nuts must never be replaced with common nuts (non-locking) as they will work loose and vibrate off, freeing the link rod to disengage.

GENERAL INFORMATION

WARNING

Disengagement of a steering link rod can result in the boat taking a full, sudden, sharp turn. This potentially violent action can cause occupants to be thrown overboard exposing them to serious injury or death.

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a - Self-locking nuts

Lanyard Stop Switch

The purpose of a lanyard stop switch is to turn off the engine when the operator moves far enough away from the operator's position (as in accidental ejection from the operator's position) to activate the switch. Tiller handle outboards and some remote control units are equipped with a lanyard stop switch. A lanyard stop switch can be installed as an accessory - generally on the dashboard or side adjacent to the operator's position.

The lanyard is a cord usually between 122 and 152 cm (4 and 5 feet) in length when stretched out, with an element on one end made to be inserted into the switch and a snap on the other end for attaching to the operator. The lanyard is coiled to make its at-rest condition as short as possible to minimize the likelihood of lanyard entanglement with nearby objects. Its stretched-out length is made to minimize the likelihood of accidental activation should the operator choose to move around in an area close to the normal operator's position. If it is desired to have a shorter lanyard, wrap the lanyard around the operator's wrist or leg, or tie a knot in the lanyard.

ob00310

a - Lanyard cord b - Lanyard stop switch

Read the following Safety Information before proceeding.

Important Safety Information: The purpose of a lanyard stop switch is to stop the engine when the operator moves far enough away from the operator's position to activate the switch. This would occur if the operator accidentally falls overboard or moves within the boat a sufficient distance from the operator's position. Falling overboard and accidental ejections are more likely to occur in certain types of boats such as low sided inflatables, bass boats, high performance boats, and light, sensitive handling fishing boats operated by a hand tiller. Falling overboard and accidental ejections are also likely to occur as a result of poor operating practices such as sitting on the back of the seat or gunwale at planing speeds, standing at planing speeds, sitting on elevated fishing boat decks, operating at planing speeds in shallow or obstacle infested waters, releasing your grip on a steering wheel or tiller handle that is pulling in one direction, drinking alcohol or consuming drugs, or daring high speed boat maneuvers.

GENERAL INFORMATION

While activation of the lanyard stop switch will stop the engine immediately, a boat will continue to coast for some distance depending upon the velocity and degree of any turn at shut down. However, the boat will not complete a full circle. While the boat is coasting, it can cause injury to anyone in the boat's path as seriously as the boat would when under power.

We strongly recommend that other occupants be instructed on proper starting and operating procedures should they be required to operate the engine in an emergency (e.g. if the operator is accidentally ejected).

WARNING

Should the operator fall out of the boat, the possibility of serious injury or death from being run over by the boat can be greatly reduced by stopping the engine immediately. Always properly connect both ends of the stop switch lanyard to the stop switch and the operator.

WARNING

Avoid serious injury or death from deceleration forces resulting from accidental or unintended stop switch activation. The boat operator should never leave the operator's station without first disconnecting the stop switch lanyard from the operator.

Accidental or unintended activation of the switch during normal operation is also a possibility. This could cause any, or all, of the following potentially hazardous situations:

• Occupants could be thrown forward due to unexpected loss of forward motion - a particular concern for passengers in the front of the boat who could be ejected over the bow and possibly struck by the gearcase or propeller.

• Loss of power and directional control in heavy seas, strong current or high winds.

• Loss of control when docking.

Protecting People In The Water

WHILE YOU ARE CRUISING

It is very difficult for a person standing or floating in the water to take quick action to avoid a boat heading in his/ her direction, even at slow speed.

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Always slow down and exercise extreme caution any time you are boating in an area where there might be people in the water.

Whenever a boat is moving (coasting) and the outboard gear shift is in neutral position, there is sufficient force by the water on the propeller to cause the propeller to rotate. This neutral propeller rotation can cause serious injury.

WHILE BOAT IS STATIONARY

WARNING

Stop your engine immediately whenever anyone in the water is near your boat. Serious injury to the person in the water is likely if contacted by a rotating propeller, a moving boat, a moving gearcase, or any solid device rigidly attached to a moving boat or gearcase.

Shift outboard into neutral and shut off the engine before allowing people to swim or be in the water near your boat.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Passenger Safety Message - Pontoon Boats And Deck Boats

Whenever the boat is in motion, observe the location of all passengers. Do not allow any passengers to stand or use seats other than those designated for traveling faster than idle speed. A sudden reduction in boat speed, such as plunging into a large wave or wake, a sudden throttle reduction, or a sharp change of boat direction, could throw them over the front of boat. Falling over the front of the boat between the two pontoons will position them to be run over by the outboard.

BOATS HAVING AN OPEN FRONT DECK

No one should ever be on the deck in front of the fence while the boat is in motion. Keep all passengers behind the front fence or enclosure.

Persons on the front deck could easily be thrown overboard or persons dangling their feet over the front edge could get their legs caught by a wave and pulled into the water.

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WARNING

Avoid serious injury or death from falling over the front end of a pontoon or deck boat and being run over by the outboard. Stay back from the front end of the deck and remain seated while the boat is in motion.

BOATS WITH FRONT MOUNTED, RAISED PEDESTAL FISHING SEATS

Elevated fishing seats are not intended for use when the boat is traveling faster than idle or trolling speed. Sit only in seats designated for traveling at faster speeds.

Any unexpected, sudden reduction in boat speed could result in the elevated passenger falling over the front of the boat.

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Wave And Wake Jumping

Operating recreational boats over waves and wake is a natural part of boating. However, when this activity is done with sufficient speed to force the boat hull partially or completely out of the water, certain hazards arise, particularly when the boat re-enters the water.

GENERAL INFORMATION

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The primary concern is the boat changing direction while in the midst of the jump. In such case the landing may cause the boat to veer violently in a new direction. Such a sharp change in direction can cause occupants to be thrown out of their seats, or out of the boat.

WARNING

Avoid serious injury or death from being thrown within or out of a boat when it lands after jumping a wave or wake. Avoid wave or wake jumping whenever possible. Instruct all occupants that if a wake or wave jump occurs, get low and hang on to a boat hand hold.

There is another less common hazardous result from allowing your boat to launch off a wave or wake. If the bow of your boat pitches down far enough while airborne, upon water contact it may penetrate under the water surface and submarine for an instant. This will bring the boat to a nearly instantaneous stop and can send the occupants flying forward. The boat may also steer sharply to one side.

Impact With Underwater Hazards

Reduce speed and proceed with caution whenever you drive a boat in shallow water areas, or in areas where you suspect underwater obstacles may exist which could be struck by the outboard or the boat bottom. The most important thing you can do to help reduce injury or impact damage from striking a floating or underwater object is to control the boat speed. Under these conditions, boat speed should be kept to a minimum planing speed 24 to 40 km/h (15 to 25 MPH) .

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WARNING

To avoid serious injury or death from all or part of an outboard coming into the boat after striking a floating or underwater obstacle maintain a top speed no greater than minimum planing speed.

Striking a floating or underwater object could result in an infinite number of situations. Some of these situations could result in the following:

• Part of the outboard or the entire outboard could break loose and fly into the boat.

• The boat could move suddenly in a new direction. Such a sharp change in direction can cause occupants to be thrown out of their seats or out of the boat.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• A rapid reduction in speed. This will cause occupants to be thrown forward, or even out of the boat.

• Impact damage to the outboard and/or boat.

Keep in mind, the most important thing you can do to help reduce injury or impact damage during an impact is control the boat speed. Boat speed should be kept to a minimum planing speed when driving in waters known to have underwater obstacles.

After striking a submerged object, stop the engine as soon as possible and inspect it for any broken or loose parts. If damage is present or suspected, the outboard should be taken to an authorized dealer for a thorough inspection and necessary repair.

The boat should also be checked for any hull fractures, transom fractures, or water leaks.

Operating a damaged outboard could cause additional damage to other parts of the outboard, or could affect control of the boat. If continued running is necessary, do so at greatly reduced speeds.

WARNING

Avoid serious injury or death from loss of boat control. Continued boating with major impact damage can result in sudden outboard component failure with or without subsequent impacts. Have the outboard thoroughly inspected and any necessary repairs made.

Exhaust Emissions

BE ALERT TO CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING

Carbon monoxide is present in the exhaust fumes of all internal combustion engines. This includes the outboards, sterndrives and inboard engines that propel boats, as well as the generators that power various boat accessories. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that is odorless, colorless and tasteless.

Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning which should not be confused with seasickness or intoxication, include headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and nausea.

WARNING

Avoid the combination of a running engine and poor ventilation. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide in sufficient concentration can lead to unconsciousness, brain damage, or death.

GOOD VENTILATION

Ventilate passenger area, open side curtains, or forward hatches to remove fumes.

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Example of desired air flow through the boat.

POOR VENTILATION

Under certain running and/or wind conditions, permanently enclosed or canvas enclosed cabins or cockpits with insufficient ventilation may draw in carbon monoxide. Install one or more carbon monoxide detectors in your boat.

Although the occurrence is rare, on a very calm day, swimmers and passengers in an enclosed area of a stationary boat that contains or is near a running engine may be exposed to a hazardous level of carbon monoxide.

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Mercury 135 Optimax, 150 Optimax, 175 Optimax, 200 OptiMax, 225 OptiMax Maintance Manual

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