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Posts: 433
Location: Cedarburg, Wisconsin | Don't know if it was a fluke or what, but my 2008 Merc 9.9 ProKicker started in gear on me while I was fishing last week. The throttle wasn't advanced very far, luckily, when it happened. As the motor was warm already, I didn't have the lockout button pressed in and the throttle advanced. Tried to make it happen again with the throttle advanced farther but it wouldn't. Might be a one time glitch I hope, but it sure startled me. I'm going to make sure the button is depressed locking out the lower unit before starting in the future, even when it is warm. | |
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Posts: 3508
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Hiya,
some engines have a lock out that engages only when the throttle is advanced. It usually is located up by the flywheel and flips into the teeth of the motor so you cannot pull the starter cord.
On other motors, the lock out is engaged when you put the motor in gear (either forward or reverse) to prevent the possibility of even starting the motor in gear.
you can check to see which style you have by taking the cowling off. Now...I believe mercury motors shift into gear at the tiller handle yes? If that is the case, I would assume you could see it engage when you turn the throttle. If it engages after you are in gear, you can potentially start the motor while in gear, but only at a slow speed. Nothing to be much of an issue there.
Rule of thumb is to always be in neutral, but I like having the option if it is available to start in gear (trolling purposes more than anything..)
Steve | |
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Start in gear?