812945 Mercury GEAR, PROPELLER SHAFT

Starting The Engine
The ECM will automatically provide the correct amount of fuel to start the engine. Do not hold the throttle down while cranking the engine. At temperatures below 0°C (32°F), it may be necessary to spray starting fluid into the air cleaner inlet. If the engine fails to start in 30 seconds, release the starting switch. Allow the starting motor to cool for two minutes before using it again.
Excessive ether (starting fluid) can cause piston and ring damage. Use ether for cold weather starting purposes only.
Cold Mode Operation
The Coolant Temperature Sensor is used to indicate the "Cold Mode" operation and for Engine Monitoring. Cold Mode Operation is activated whenever the coolant temperature is at or below 18°C (64°F). The engine runs on three cylinders while in cold mode. Cold Mode remains active until Coolant Temperature exceeds 19°C (66°F), the engine has been running for 5 minutes, or when the desired engine speed reaches 1200 rpm or greater. In Cold Mode, engine power is limited, timing is advanced, and the low idle speed is adjusted to 600 rpm. The time needed for the engine to reach the normal mode of operation is usually less than the time taken for a walk-around-inspection of the engine.After cold mode is completed, the engine should be operated at low rpm until normal operating temperature is reached. The engine will reach normal operating temperature faster when operated at low rpm and low power demand than when idled at no load. Typically, the engine should be up to operating temperature within a few minutes. Cold Mode is not disabled if Engine Monitoring is programmed to OFF.Customer Specified Parameters
The engine is capable of being programmed for several customer specified parameters. For a complete list of the customer specified parameters see the topic: Electronic Control Module (ECM), and Personality Module. For a brief explanation of each of the customer specified parameters, see the Operation and Maintenance Manual.Glossary of Electronic Control Terms
After Market DeviceAs used here, a device or accessory installed by the customer or machine OEM after the engine is delivered.Alternating Current (AC)The direction of current flow changes (alternates) regularly and constantly.American Wire Gauge (AWG)A measure of the diameter (and therefore the current carrying ability) of electrical wire. The smaller the AWG number, the larger the wire.Atmospheric Pressure SensorThis sensor measures atmospheric air pressure in the crankcase and sends a signal to the ECM.Before Top Center (BTC)The 180 degrees of crankshaft rotation before the piston reaches Top Center (normal direction of rotation).Bypass CircuitA circuit, usually temporary, to substitute for an existing circuit, typically for test purposes.CalibrationAs used here, is an electronic adjustment of a sensor signal.Check Engine LampSometimes referred to as the "Diagnostic Lamp", it is used to warn the operator of the presence of an active diagnostic code.Component Identifier (CID)Two or three digit code which is assigned to each component.Coolant Level SensorThis sensor detects the absence/presence of coolant at the probe and sends a signal to the ECM.CodeSee Diagnostic Code.Coolant Temperature SensorThis sensor detects the engine coolant temperature for Cold Mode operation and Caterpillar Engine Monitoring (provided the Engine Monitoring is not programmed OFF).Customer Specified ParameterA Parameter that can be changed and whose value is set by the customer and protected by Customer Passwords.Data LinkAn electrical connection for communication with other microprocessor based devices that are compatible with a SAE Standards such as electronic displays and maintenance systems. A Data Link is also the communication medium used for programming and troubleshooting with Caterpillar electronic service tools.Desired RPMAn input to the electronic governor within the ECM. The electronic governor uses inputs from the Throttle Position Sensor, Engine Speed/Timing Sensor and Customer Parameters to determine "Desired RPM".Desired Timing Advance ("Des Timing Adv" on electronic service tool)The injection timing advance calculated by the ECM as required to meet emission and performance specifications.Diagnostic CodeSometimes referred to as a "fault code", it is an indication of a problem in the electronic system.Diagnostic Event CodeThese codes indicate an event. They are not necessarily (or usually) an indication of problem with in the electronic system.Diagnostic Fault CodeThese codes indicate an electronic system malfunction indicating a problem with the electronic system.Diagnostic Flash CodeThese codes are flashed out using the Check Engine/Diagnostic Lamp to indicate an electronic system malfunction or an event detected by the electronic system.Diagnostic LampSometimes referred to as the Check Engine Lamp, it is used to warn the operator of the presence of an active diagnostic code.Direct Current (DC)The type of current where the direction of current flow is consistently in one direction only.Duty CycleSee Pulse Width Modulation.Electronic Control Analyzer Programmer (ECAP)An electronic service tool developed by Caterpillar used for programming and diagnosing a variety of Caterpillar electronic controls.Electronic Control Module (ECM)The engine control computer that provides power to the system electronics, monitors system inputs and acts as a governor to control engine rpm.Electronic Engine ControlThe complete electronic system that monitors and controls engine operation under all conditions.Electronic Technician (ET)A Caterpillar electronic service tool used for diagnosing and programming a variety of electronic controls.Electronically Controlled Unit InjectorThe injection pump which is a mechanically actuated, electronically controlled unit injector combining the pressurizing, electronic fuel metering and injecting elements in a single unit.Engine MonitoringThe part of the Caterpillar Electronic Engine Control that monitors Coolant Temperature, Oil Pressure, Inlet Manifold Air Temperature and Coolant Level to flag the operator of detected problems. The Coolant Temperature, Inlet Manifold Air Temperature, and Oil Pressure Sensors are supplied by Caterpillar and monitored by the ECM. The Coolant Level Sensor is OEM installed, but still monitored by the ECM. After market Engine Monitoring Systems do not interface with the Caterpillar Electronic Engine Control.Engine Oil Pressure SensorThis sensor measures engine oil pressure and sends a signal to the ECM and is part of Caterpillar Engine Monitoring.Estimated Dynamic TimingThe ECM estimation of actual injection timing.Failure Mode Identifier (FMI)Type of failure the component experienced (adopted from SAE standard practice J1587 diagnostics).Flash Code (FC)The Caterpillar proprietary code numbers which are flashed out on the diagnostic lamp.Fuel Ratio Control (FRC)FRC Fuel Pos -