How to Idle a Boat Engine
It is important to prepare your boat properly to idle, whether you are in the water, or your boat is on a trailer in the driveway. You can idle the engine on the water to warm it up before heading out or on a trailer to get it ready for maintenance. It is a simple procedure, but requires some very precise methods to ensure safety and proper function.
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Instructions
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How to Idle Your Boat Engine in the Water
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1
Flip the circuit breaker for your bilge blower to the "on" position. Continue blowing air into the bilge for at least four minutes. This clears any gas fumes out of the enclosed bilge area to lessen the potential for explosions. Leave the bilge blower on at all times while idling the engine. This step only applies to inboard/outboard engines (also known as I/Os or stern drives).
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2
Press the throttle release button located on the throttle handle while pushing the lever forward several times. This will prime it with gas without putting the engine in gear. Return the throttle to the center "neutral" position.
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3
Turn the ignition key. A "test" warning buzzer will sound. This lets you know the engine heat, oil and other warning buzzers are operational. Continue to turn the key and the engine will turn over.
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4
Leave the throttle lever in the center "neutral" position to continue idling your boat.
How to Idle Your Boat Engine on Land
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Turn on the bilge blower by pressing the breaker switch to the "on" position. Allow the blower to operate for at least four minutes before attempting to start your engine. Leave the blower on at all times when you are idling your engine. This step only applies to inboard/outboard engines.
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Hook up a water supply to the raw water intake with a set of engine muffs. Cover the water intake vents on each side of the lower unit and turn on the water.
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Climb in the boat and press the throttle release button on the throttle lever while pumping the lever several times to give the engine gas. Return the throttle lever to the center "neutral" position.
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Turn the ignition key. A buzzer will sound to let you know the warning signals for the engine compartment are working. Continue to turn the key until the engine starts.
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Tips & Warnings
Purchase engine muffs that are the proper size for your type of engine or outdrive. You can find various sizes and styles of engine muffs at marine-specific stores online or at your marina.
Do not rev the engine while idling on muffs. The small amount of water being introduced to the engine is just enough to idle the engine without stress. Adding more RPMs by increasing the throttle can cause serious damage to the engine.
Never operate your engine dry. This will cause permanent damage to your unit.
Always turn your bilge blower to the "on" position when you are operating at less than 1500 RPMs to avoid a build up of fumes in the engine compartment. (Inboard/outboard engines only.)
