Mercury 2.5 Service Manual

GENERAL INFORMATION
12
Selecting Accessories For Your Outboard
Genuine Mercury Precision or Quicksilver Accessories have been specifically designed and tested for your
outboard. These accessories are available from Mercury Marine dealers.
!
WARNING
Check with your dealer before installation of accessories. The misuse of acceptable accessories or the use of
unacceptable accessories can result in serious injury, death, or product failure.
Some accessories not manufactured or sold by Mercury Marine are not designed to be safely used with your
outboard or outboard operating system. Acquire and read the installation, operation, and maintenance manuals
for all your selected accessories.
Safe Boating Suggestions
In order to safely enjoy the waterways, familiarize yourself with local and other governmental boating regulations
and restrictions, and consider the following suggestions.
Use flotation devices. Have an approved personal flotation device of suitable size for each person aboard (it is the
law) and have it readily accessible.
Do not overload your boat. Most boats are rated and certified for maximum load (weight) capacities (refer to your
boat capacity plate). If in doubt, contact your dealer or the boats manufacturer.
Perform safety checks and required maintenance. Follow a regular schedule and ensure that all repairs are properly
made.
Know and obey all nautical rules and laws of the waterways. Boat operators should complete a boating safety
course. Courses are offered in the U.S.A. by 1) The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, 2) The Power Squadron, 3) The
Red Cross and 4) your state boating law enforcement agency. Inquiries may be made to the Boating Hotline,
1-800-368-5647 or the Boat U.S. Foundation information number 1-800-336-BOAT.
Make sure everyone in the boat is properly seated. Do not allow anyone to sit or ride on any part of the boat that
was not intended for such use. This includes the back of seats, gunwales, transom, bow, decks, raised fishing
seats, any rotating fishing seat; or anywhere that an unexpected acceleration, sudden stopping, unexpected loss
of boat control, or sudden boat movement could cause a person to be thrown overboard or into the boat.
Never be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while boating (it is the law). Alcohol or drug use impairs your
judgment and greatly reduces your ability to react quickly.
Prepare other boat operators. Instruct at least one other person on board in the basics of starting and operating
the outboard, and boat handling, in case the driver becomes disabled or falls overboard.
Passenger boarding. Stop the engine whenever passengers are boarding, unloading, or are near the back (stern)
of the boat. Just shifting the outboard into neutral is not sufficient.
Be alert. The operator of the boat is responsible by law to maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing. The
operator must have an unobstructed view particularly to the front. No passengers, load, or fishing seats should
block the operators view when operating the boat above idle speed.
Never drive your boat directly behind a water skier in case the skier falls. As an example, your boat traveling at
40 km/h (25 MPH) will overtake a fallen skier 61 m (200 ft.) in front of you in 5 seconds.
Watch fallen skiers. When using your boat for water skiing or similar activities, always keep a fallen or down skier
on the operator's side of the boat while returning to assist the skier. The operator should always have the down
skier in sight and never back up to the skier or anyone in the water.
Report accidents. Boat operators are required by law to file a Boating Accident Report with their state boating law
enforcement agency when their boat is involved in certain boating accidents. A boating accident must be reported
if 1) there is loss of life or probable loss of life, 2) there is personal injury requiring medical treatment beyond first
aid, 3) there is damage to boats or other property where the damage value exceeds $500.00 or 4) there is complete
loss of the boat. Seek further assistance from local law enforcement.
Recording Serial Number
It is important to record this number for future reference. The serial number is located on the outboard as shown.

Mercury 2.5 Specifications

General

Fuel Induction System	Carburetor
Ignition	CDI
Starting	Manual
Steering	Tiller
Cylinders	1
Recommended Fuel	87 Octane
Shaft Length	15 in (381 mm)
Horsepower	2.5 HP
Gear Shift	Forward, Neutral

Summary

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.

Warranty Registration United States And Canada

Process for registering your product with Mercury Marine in the US and Canada for warranty coverage.

Warranty Registration Outside The United States And Canada

Steps for registering your product outside the US and Canada with Mercury Marine.

Mercury Marine Two Years Limited Warranty (Europe)

Details of the two-year limited warranty coverage for Mercury products sold in Europe.

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

Details of the one-year limited warranty for specific regions outside Europe.

3 Year Limited Warranty Against Corrosion

Details of the three-year limited warranty specifically covering corrosion damage.

Warranty Coverage And Exclusions

Clarifies common misunderstandings about what is and is not covered by warranty.

GENERAL EXCLUSIONS FROM WARRANTY

Lists specific items and conditions that are not covered by the limited warranty.

General Information

Boater's Responsibilities

Outlines the operator's duties for safe operation and compliance with manual.

Before Operating Your Outboard

Guidance on reading the manual and understanding safety labels before use.

Boat Horsepower Capacity

Warning about exceeding a boat's maximum horsepower limit and its consequences.

Lanyard Stop Switch

Explains the function and importance of the lanyard stop switch for safety.

Protecting People In The Water

Safety advice for preventing injuries to people in water near the boat.

Exhaust Emissions

Information about carbon monoxide poisoning and ventilation.

Selecting Accessories For Your Outboard

Guidance on choosing and installing accessories for the outboard.

Safe Boating Suggestions

Recommendations for safe operation, including flotation devices and obeying rules.

Recording Serial Number

Instructions on where to find and record the outboard's serial number.

Specifications

Technical specifications for the 2.5 and 3.3 HP models.

Installation

Installing Outboard

Instructions for mounting the outboard onto the boat's transom.

Transporting

Carrying Outboard

Guidance on how to carry the outboard motor.

Transporting Outboard When Removed From Boat

Procedures for transporting the outboard when it's not mounted on a boat.

Trailering Boat

Important considerations for trailering a boat with the outboard attached.

Fuel and Oil

Gasoline Recommendations

Advice on the type and grade of gasoline to use for the outboard engine.

Oil Recommendation

Specifies the recommended type of oil for mixing with fuel.

Mixing Fuel and Oil

Instructions on the correct fuel-to-oil ratio for different stages of use.

Filling Fuel Tank

Safety precautions and steps for filling the fuel tank.

Features and Controls

Features & Controls

Overview of the throttle, choke, and stop switch controls.

Tilting Outboard

Instructions on how to tilt the outboard motor to the full up position.

Setting The Operating Angle Of Your Outboard

How to adjust the outboard's tilt angle for optimal performance.

Operation

Pre-Starting Check List

Essential checks to perform before starting the outboard engine.

Operating In Freezing Temperatures

Procedures for operating the outboard in cold weather conditions.

Operating In Salt Water Or Polluted Water

Recommendations for flushing and cleaning after use in salt or polluted water.

Engine Break-in Procedure

Instructions for the initial break-in period of the engine.

Starting The Engine

Step-by-step guide on how to start the outboard engine.

Stopping The Engine

Procedure for safely shutting down the outboard engine.

Gear Shifting - Models with Gear Shift

How to operate the gear shift for forward and neutral positions.

Emergency Starting

Instructions for starting the engine using a spare starter rope.

Maintenance

Outboard Care

General advice for maintaining the outboard's operating condition and safety.

SELECTING REPLACEMENT PARTS FOR YOUR OUTBOARD

Recommendation to use genuine Mercury parts for replacements.

EPA Emissions

Information about the emission certification label and owner responsibility.

Inspection And Maintenance Schedule

Schedule of checks and maintenance tasks before, after, and periodically.

Top Cowl Removal And Installation

Steps for removing and reinstalling the top engine cowl.

Exterior Care

How to clean and protect the outboard's exterior finish.

Flushing The Cooling System

Procedure for flushing the engine's cooling system with fresh water.

Propeller Replacement

Detailed steps for replacing the outboard's propeller.

Corrosion Control Anode

Explanation of the anode's function and inspection/replacement.

Spark Plug Inspection And Replacement

Guide for inspecting and replacing the spark plugs.

Engine Idle Speed Adjustment

How to adjust the engine's idle speed for proper operation.

Lubrication Points

Locations and procedures for lubricating various outboard components.

Gearcase Lubrication

Instructions for checking and changing the gearcase lubricant.

DRAINING GEARCASE

Steps for properly draining the lubricant from the gearcase.

GEARCASE LUBRICANT CAPACITY

Specifies the volume of lubricant required for the gearcase.

CHECKING LUBRICANT LEVEL AND REFILLING GEARCASE

Procedure for checking and refilling the gearcase lubricant.

Submerged Outboard

Immediate service procedures required if the outboard becomes submerged.

Storage

Storage Preparation

Procedures for preparing the outboard for seasonal or prolonged storage.

FUEL SYSTEM

Important considerations for the fuel system when storing the outboard.

Protecting External Outboard Components

Steps to protect the outboard's external parts during storage.

Protecting Internal Engine Components

Procedures for protecting the internal engine parts during storage.

Gearcase

Gearcase maintenance procedures related to storage.

Positioning Outboard For Storage

Correct orientation for storing the outboard to prevent damage.

Troubleshooting

Engine Will Not Start

Common causes and solutions when the engine fails to start.

Engine Runs Erratically

Troubleshooting steps for an engine that runs unevenly.

Performance Loss

Potential reasons for reduced engine performance and how to address them.

Owner Service Assistance

Local Repair Service

Guidance on returning the outboard to a local authorized dealer for service.

Service Away From Home

How to find and contact the nearest authorized dealer when traveling.

Parts And Accessories Inquiries

Where to direct questions about genuine replacement parts and accessories.

Service Assistance

Steps to take if you need further assistance from Mercury Marine.

Mercury Marine Service Offices

Contact information for Mercury Marine service offices in various regions.