RUNNING CHECKS
DO NOT run outboard without a water supply to the outboard’s cooling system. Cooling system and/or powerhead damage could occur.
DANGER DO NOT run the engine indoors or without adequate ventilation or permit exhaust fumes to accumulate in confined areas. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide which, if inhaled, can cause serious brain damage or death.
DANGER Contact with a rotating propeller is likely to result in serious injury or death. Assure the engine and prop area is clear of people and objects before starting engine or operating boat. Do not allow anyone near a propeller, even when the engine is off. Blades can be sharp and the propeller can continue to turn even after the engine is off.
Fuel System
Perform running checks of the fuel system by following these steps:
• Squeeze fuel primer bulb until hard or activate electric primer. Observe all fuel hoses and connections. Repair any leaks.
• Start outboard. Inspect all hoses and connections. Repair any leaks or misrouted hoses immediately.
Emergency Stop / Key Switch
Check emergency stop function. With outboard running at IDLE, pull safety lanyard from emergency stop switch. Outboard must stop immediately.
Remote Control Operation
Start-In-Gear Prevention
Make certain that the outboard will not start when in gear. The start-in-gear prevention feature is required by the United States Coast Guard to help prevent personal injuries.
Start outboard and shift to FORWARD.
Turn outboard OFF while control is in FORWARD.
Try to restart the outboard. Outboard should not start.
Shift back to NEUTRAL and restart outboard.
Shift to REVERSE. Turn outboard OFF while control is in REVERSE.
Try to restart the outboard. Outboard should not start.
Tachometer Pulse Setting
Confirm accuracy of tachometer reading.
• Adjust dial on back of tachometer to required setting (the outboard should not be running).
| Outboard Model | Tachometer Setting |
|---|---|
| 25–300 HP | 6 Pulse or 12 Pole |
Water Pump Overboard Indicator
A steady stream of water should flow from the overboard indicator.

- Water pump overboard indicator
Operating Temperature
An outboard run at idle speed should achieve a temperature based on the engine’s thermostatic control. In general, the powerhead temperature should reach at least 104°F (40°C) after five minutes of idling. Check that the powerhead reaches idle temperature. Refer to SERVICE SPECIFICATIONS on p. 10.
Idle Speed
Break-In
When the outboard is delivered, refer the customer to the break-in information in the Operator’s Guide.
The Engine Management Module (EMM) automatically supplies extra oil to the engine during the first two hours of operation, above 2000 RPM.
Use Evinrude Diagnostics software to confirm that the break-in program has been started. Refer to Oil Control Settings on p. 92.
