Mercury 40 FourStroke User manual

i
Thank You
for your purchase of one of the finest outboards available. You
have made a sound investment in boating pleasure. Your
outboard has been manufactured by Mercury Marine, a world
leader in marine technology and outboard manufacturing
since 1939. These years of experience have been committed
to the goal of producing the finest quality products. This led to
Mercury Marine's reputation for strict quality control,
excellence, durability, lasting performance and being the best
at providing after the sale support.
Please read this manual carefully before operating your
outboard. This manual has been prepared to assist you in the
operation, safe use and care of your outboard.
All of us at Mercury Marine took pride in building your outboard
and wish you many years of happy and safe boating.
Again, thank you for your confidence in Mercury Marine.
EPA Emissions Regulations
Outboards sold by Mercury Marine in the United States are
certified to the United States Environmental Protection
Agency as conforming to the requirements of the regulations
for the control of air pollution from new outboard motors. This
certification is contingent on certain adjustments being set to
factory standards. For this reason, the factory procedure for
servicing the product must be strictly followed and, wherever
practicable, returned to the original intent of the design.
Maintenance, replacement, or repair of the emission
control devices and systems may be performed by any
marine engine repair establishment or individual.
Engines are labeled with an Emission Control Information
decal as permanent evidence of EPA certification.
! WARNING
The engine exhaust from this product contains chemicals
known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects
or other reproductive harm.
© 2009 Mercury Marine 40/50 90-10170080 1008

ii
Warranty Message
The product you have purchased comes with a limited warranty
from Mercury Marine, the terms of the warranty are set forth in the
Warranty Information Section of this manual. The warranty
statement contains a description of what is covered, what is not
covered, the duration of coverage, how to best obtain warranty
coverage, important disclaimers and limitations of damages,
and other related information. Please review this important
information.
The description and specifications contained herein were in effect
at the time this manual was approved for printing. Mercury Marine,
whose policy is one of continued improvement, reserves the right
to discontinue models at any time, to change specifications,
designs, methods, or procedures without notice and without
incurring obligation.
Mercury Marine, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin U.S.A.
Litho in U.S.A.
© 2008, Mercury Marine
Mercury, Mercury Marine, MerCruiser, Mercury MerCruiser,
Mercury Racing, Mercury Precision Parts, Mercury Propellers,
Mariner, Quicksilver, #1 On The Water, Alpha, Bravo, Pro Max,
OptiMax, Sport‑Jet, K‑Planes, MerCathode, RideGuide,
SmartCraft, Zero Effort, M with Waves logo, Mercury with Waves
logo, and SmartCraft logo are all registered trademarks of
Brunswick Corporation. Mercury Product Protection logo is a
registered service mark of Brunswick Corporation.
Mercury Premier Service
Mercury evaluates the service performance of its dealers and
assigns its highest rating of "Mercury Premier" to those
demonstrating an exceptional commitment to service.
Earning a Mercury Premier Service rating means a dealer:
• Achieves a high 12 month service CSI (Customer Satisfaction
Index) score for warranty service.
• Possesses all necessary service tools, test equipment,
manuals and parts books.
• Employs at least one Certified or Master technician.

iii
• Provides timely service for all Mercury Marine customers.
• Offers extended service hours and mobile service, when
appropriate.
• Uses, displays and stocks adequate inventory of genuine
Mercury Precision Parts.
• Offers a clean, neat shop with well organized tools and service
literature.

iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS
v
Warranty Information
Warranty Registration..................................................................1
Transfer of Warranty....................................................................1
Transfer of Mercury Product Protection (Extended Service
Coverage) Plan United States and Canada.................................2
Outboard Limited Warranty..........................................................3
3 Year Limited Warranty Against Corrosion................................6
Warranty Coverage and Exclusions............................................9
GENERAL INFORMATION
Boater's Responsibilities............................................................12
Before Operating Your Outboard...............................................12
Boat Horsepower Capacity........................................................13
High‑Speed and High‑Performance Boat Operation................. 13
Outboard Remote Control Models ............................................13
Remote Steering Notice.............................................................14
Lanyard Stop Switch..................................................................15
Protecting People in the Water..................................................17
Passenger Safety Message ‑ Pontoon Boats and Deck Boats..18
Wave and Wake Jumping..........................................................19
Impact with Underwater Hazards...............................................20
Safety Instructions for Hand‑Tilled Outboards...........................21
Exhaust Emissions.................................................................... 22
Selecting Accessories for Your Outboard..................................24
Safe Boating Suggestions......................................................... 24
Recording Serial Number.......................................................... 26
40/50 Specifications...................................................................26
Component Identification...........................................................28
INSTALLATION
Installing Outboard.....................................................................29
Propeller Selection.....................................................................31

TABLE OF CONTENTS
vi
TRANSPORTING
Trailering Boat/Outboard ..........................................................32
Transporting Portable Fuel Tanks.............................................33
FUEL & OIL
Fuel Recommendations.............................................................34
Low Permeation Fuel Hose Requirement .................................35
Oil Recommendation.................................................................36
Fuel and Oil Ratio......................................................................36
Mixing Fuel and Oil....................................................................37
Filling Oil Injection System.........................................................37
Filling Fuel Tank........................................................................38
FEATURES & CONTROLS
Remote Control Features..........................................................39
Warning System ‑ Electric Start Models....................................40
Warning Horn System ‑ Manual Start Models...........................42
Engine Over‑Speed Limiter.......................................................43
Manual Tilt System....................................................................43
Power Trim And Tilt (If Equipped)..............................................47
Throttle Grip Friction Adjustment ‑ Tiller Handle Models...........51
Steering Friction Adjustment......................................................52
Trim Tab Adjustment.................................................................53

TABLE OF CONTENTS
vii
OPERATION
Pre‑Starting Check List..............................................................54
Operating in Freezing Temperatures.........................................54
Operating in Saltwater or Polluted Water..................................55
Operating at High Elevations.....................................................55
Engine Break‑in Procedure........................................................55
Starting the Engine ‑ Electric Start Remote Control Models......56
Starting the Engine ‑ Tiller Handle Models................................59
Gear Shifting..............................................................................63
Stopping the Engine .................................................................64
Emergency Starting ‑ Electric Start Models...............................64
Emergency Starting ‑ Manual Start Models...............................67
MAINTENANCE
Outboard Care...........................................................................70
EPA Regulations........................................................................70
EPA Emissions..........................................................................71
Inspection and Maintenance Schedule......................................71
Flushing the Cooling System.....................................................73
Exterior Care..............................................................................74
Top Cowl Removal and Installation...........................................74
Battery Inspection .....................................................................75
Fuel System...............................................................................75
Steering Link Rod Fasteners.....................................................76
Fuse Replacement ‑ Electric Start Models................................77
Corrosion Control Anode...........................................................78
Propeller Replacement..............................................................79
Spark Plug Inspection and Replacement...................................83
Lubrication Points......................................................................84
Checking Power Trim Fluid........................................................87
Gearcase Lubrication.................................................................88
Submerged Outboard................................................................89

TABLE OF CONTENTS
viii
STORAGE
Storage Preparation...................................................................90
Protecting External Outboard Components...............................91
Protecting Internal Engine Components....................................91
Gearcase...................................................................................92
Positioning Outboard for Storage..............................................92
Battery Storage..........................................................................92
TROUBLESHOOTING
Starter Motor Will Not Crank The Engine (Electric Start Models)
...................................................................................................93
Engine Will Not Start..................................................................93
Engine Runs Erratically.............................................................93
Performance Loss......................................................................94
Battery Will Not Hold Charge.....................................................94
OWNER SERVICE ASSISTANCE
Local Repair Service..................................................................95
Service Away from Home..........................................................95
Parts and Accessories Inquiries................................................95
Service Assistance....................................................................95
Mercury Marine Service Offices.................................................96
MAINTENANCE LOG
Maintenance Log.......................................................................98

WARRANTY INFORMATION
1
Warranty Registration
UNITED STATES AND CANADA
To be eligible for warranty coverage, the product must be
registered with Mercury Marine.
At the time of sale, the selling 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.
A copy of the warranty registration should be provided to you by
your selling dealer.
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.
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
Fax [phone]
OUTSIDE UNITED STATES AND CANADA
For products purchased outside the United States and Canada,
contact the distributor in your country, or the Marine Power Service
Center closest to you.
Transfer of Warranty
UNITED STATES AND CANADA
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.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
2
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. In the United States and Canada, mail to:
Mercury Marine
Attn: Warranty Registration Department
W6250 W. Pioneer Road
P.O. Box 1939
Fond du Lac, WI 54936-1939
920-929-5054
Fax [phone]
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.
OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA
For products purchased outside the United States and Canada,
contact the distributor in your country, or the Marine Power Service
Center closest to you.
Transfer of Mercury Product Protection (Extended
Service Coverage) Plan United States and Canada
The remaining coverage period of the Product Protection Plan is
transferable to the subsequent purchaser of the engine within thirty
(30) days from the date of sale. Contracts not transferred within
thirty (30) days of the subsequent purchase will no longer be valid
and the product will no longer be eligible for coverage under the
terms of the contract.
To transfer the plan to the subsequent owner, contact Mercury
Product Protection or an authorized dealer to receive a Request
for Transfer form. Submit to Mercury Product Protection a receipt/
bill of sale, a completed Request of Transfer form, and a check
payable to Mercury Marine in the amount of $50.00 (per engine)
to cover the transfer fee.
Plan coverage is not transferable from one product to another
product or for non‑eligible applications.
The Certified Pre‑Owned engine plans are not transferable.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
3
For help or assistance, contact Mercury Product Protection
Department at 1‑888‑427‑5373 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST,
Monday ‑ Friday or email [email protected].
Outboard Limited Warranty
Outside the United States and Canada ‑ Check with your local
distributor.
WHAT IS COVERED: Mercury Marine warrants its new Outboard
and Jet products to be free of defects in material and workmanship
during the period described below.
DURATION OF COVERAGE: This limited warranty provided
coverage for one (1) year 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 from one recreational use
customer to a subsequent recreational use customer upon proper
reregistration of the product. Unexpired warranty coverage cannot
be transferred either to or from a commercial use customer.
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.
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
predelivery inspection process is completed and documented.
Warranty coverage becomes available upon proper registration of
the product by the authorized dealer. Routine maintenance
outlined in the Operation and Maintenance Manual must be timely
performed in order to maintain warranty coverage. Mercury Marine
reserves the right to make warranty coverage contingent upon
proof of proper maintenance.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
4
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 remanufactured 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.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
5
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, water entering the engine
through the fuel intake, air intake or exhaust system, or damage to
the product from insufficient cooling water caused by blockage of
the cooling system by a foreign body, running the engine out of
water, mounting the engine too high on the transom, or running the
boat with the engine trimmed out too far. 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 the 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.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
6
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.
3 Year Limited Warranty Against Corrosion
WHAT IS COVERED: Mercury Marine warrants that each new
Mercury, Mariner, Mercury Racing, Sport Jet, M2 Jet Drive, Tracker
by Mercury Marine Outboard, Mercury 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
(noncommercial use) purchaser upon proper reregistration of the
product.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
7
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
predelivery 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 remanufactured 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.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
8
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.
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.
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.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
9
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.
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.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
10
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 driveshaft
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.
6. Labor performed by other than an authorized dealer may be
covered only under the 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.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
11
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
12
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 onboard 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
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will result
in death or serious injury.
! WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result
in death or serious injury.
! CAUTION
Indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result
in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE
Indicates a situation which, if not avoided, could result in engine
or major component failure.