Mercury 250 Specifications Page 1

eng i Thank Youfor your purchase of one of the finest outboards available.You have made a sound investment in boating pleasure.Your outboard has bee

x engStorageStorage Preparation...141Protecting External Outboard Components...

FEATURES AND CONTROLS 90 engHELM TRANSFER! WARNINGAvoid serious injury or death from loss of boat control. Theboat operator should neve

FEATURES AND CONTROLSeng 91 Synchronizing Helms Prior to TransferPressing the "TRANSFER" button allows the boat operator 10seconds to matc

FEATURES AND CONTROLS 92 engIt is important to note that in either of the above scenarios, thehorn will only sound one time. If you key the engine o

FEATURES AND CONTROLSeng 93 The SmartCraft Instrument package will also aid in EngineGuardian diagnostics. The SmartCraft Instrument package willdis

FEATURES AND CONTROLS 94 engPOWER TRIM OPERATIONWith most boats, operating around the middle of the trim rangewill give satisfactory results. Howeve

FEATURES AND CONTROLSeng 95 TILTING TO FULL UP POSITIONTilt at HelmNOTE: The trim/tilt switch will remain active for 15 minutes afterthe ignition ke

FEATURES AND CONTROLS 96 engMANUAL TILTINGIf the outboard cannot be tilted using the power trim/tilt switch,the outboard can be manually tilted.2849

FEATURES AND CONTROLSeng 97 2. Tilt outboard up. Make sure all the water intake holes staysubmerged at all times.3. Operate the engine at slow speed

OPERATION 98 engPrestarting Check List• Operator knows safe navigation, boating, and operatingprocedures.• An approved personal flotation device of

OPERATIONeng 99 Operating in Saltwater or Polluted WaterWe recommend that you flush the internal water passages ofyour outboard with fresh water aft

WARRANTY INFORMATIONeng 1 Warranty RegistrationUNITED STATES AND CANADATo be eligible for warranty coverage, the product must beregistered with Merc

OPERATION 100 engNOTICEWithout sufficient cooling water, the engine, the water pump,and other components will overheat and suffer dam

OPERATIONeng 101 4. Set the lanyard stop switch to the "RUN" position. Refer toGeneral Information ‑ Lanyard Stop Switch.197915. Shift out

OPERATION 102 eng6. Ignition key starting ‑ Turn the ignition key to "START"position and release the key. The electronic starting systemwi

OPERATIONeng 103 • The outboard has three gear shift positions to provideoperation: Forward (F), Neutral (N), and Reverse (R).3427FNR• When shifting

OPERATION 104 eng• The outboard has three gear shift positions to provideoperation: Forward (F), Neutral (N), and Reverse (R).FNR3417• When shifting

MAINTENANCEeng 105 Outboard CareTo keep your outboard in the best operating condition, it isimportant that your outboard receive the periodic inspec

MAINTENANCE 106 engEMISSION CERTIFICATION LABELAn emission certification label, showing emission levels andengine specifications directly related to

MAINTENANCEeng 107 • Check that lanyard stop switch stops the engine.• Inspect the outboard for tightness to the boat transom. If anylooseness of th

MAINTENANCE 108 eng•Check power steering fluid. See Checking Power SteeringFluid.• Inspect battery. See Battery Inspection.• Saltwater usage: Remove

MAINTENANCEeng 109 • Replace accessory drive belt. See Accessory Drive BeltInspection.1.BEFORE PERIODS OF STORAGE• Refer to storage procedure. See S

WARRANTY INFORMATION 2 engTransfer of WarrantyUNITED STATES AND CANADAThe limited warranty is transferable to a subsequent purchaser,but only for th

MAINTENANCE 110 eng5. When flushing is complete, turn off water and disconnect thewater hose.6. Install the flushing connector to the fitting on the

MAINTENANCEeng 111 2. Lock cowl in place by pulling lower cowl latch down.295913. Place top cowl into position over engine, front first. Ensurecowl

MAINTENANCE 112 engCleaning Care for the Powerhead (Saltwater Use)If the outboard is operated in saltwater, remove the top cowl andflywheel cover. I

MAINTENANCEeng 113 Verado Engine Battery SpecificationsIMPORTANT: Verado engines require a 12 volt AGM (absorbedglass mat) marine starting battery t

MAINTENANCE 114 engWhen connecting the engine battery, hex nuts must be used tosecure the battery leads to the battery posts. Tighten the hexnuts to

MAINTENANCEeng 115 Air FilterThe air filter assembly is a serviceable item and can becleaned with warm soap water if required.AIR FILTER REMOVAL AND

MAINTENANCE 116 engTubeRef No.Description Where Used Part No.1104 Stroke10W30Outboard OilAir filter element 92-858045K01AIR FILTER INSTALLATION1. In

MAINTENANCEeng 117 Fuel System! WARNINGFuel is flammable and explosive. Ensure that the key switch isoff and the lanyard is positioned so tha

MAINTENANCE 118 eng! CAUTIONFailure to release pressure from the fuel system will result infuel spraying out, which can cause a fire or explosion. A

MAINTENANCEeng 119 4. Slide the filter holder up to release it from the bracket.Hoses and wire harness can remain attached to filter holder.a - Fuel

WARRANTY INFORMATIONeng 3 To transfer the plan to the subsequent owner, contact MercuryProduct Protection or an authorized dealer to receive a Reque

MAINTENANCE 120 engFilter Draining1. Tip the filter holder to drain any fluid into an approvedcontainer.a - Filter holderFilter Installation1. Lubri

MAINTENANCEeng 121 3. Place the filter holder mounting tabs into the slots on thebracket and push down on the filter holder to slide themounting tab

MAINTENANCE 122 engIMPORTANT: Visually inspect for fuel leakage from the filterwhile turning the ignition key to the run position, forcing fuel int

MAINTENANCEeng 123 2. Straighten the bent tabs on the propeller nut retainer.269003. Place a block of wood between the gearcase and thepropeller to

MAINTENANCE 124 eng6. Flo‑Torq II drive hub propellers ‑ Install forward thrust hub,replaceable drive sleeve, propeller, thrust hub, propeller nutre

MAINTENANCEeng 125 Propeller Replacement ‑ 31.75 mm (1‑1/4 in.)Diameter Propeller Shaft! WARNINGRotating propellers can cause serious injury o

MAINTENANCE 126 eng5.Heavy‑duty propeller hub ‑ Install the propeller hub,propeller, washer, Belleville washer, washer, and propellernut onto the sh

MAINTENANCEeng 127 2. Disconnect the six wiring harness connectors from pencilcoil connections.3. Remove mounting bolts, using a twisting motion, an

MAINTENANCE 128 eng8. Before installing spark plugs, clean off any dirt on the sparkplug seats. Install plugs finger‑tight, and then tighten 1/4 tur

MAINTENANCEeng 129 Remove the cover from the fuse holder. Remove the suspectedblown fuse and look at the silver band inside the fuse. If band isbrok

WARRANTY INFORMATION 4 engDURATION OF COVERAGE: This Limited Warranty providescoverage for three (3) years from the date the product is first soldto

MAINTENANCE 130 engDTS Wiring System! WARNINGSplicing or probing will damage the wire insulation allowingwater to enter the wiring. Wat

MAINTENANCEeng 131 4. Remove the power trim fill cap. The fill cap only requires 1/4turn to remove.a - Tilt support leverb - Power trim fill capc -

MAINTENANCE 132 engChecking Power Steering FluidRemove power steering cover and fill cap to check fluid level.The fluid level should be slightly bel

MAINTENANCEeng 133 IMPORTANT: The pump method is preferred to remove engineoil from XXL models. If the drain method is used, an oil drainfunnel must

MAINTENANCE 134 eng4. Loosen the drain plug/seal washer. Install the oil drainfunnel over the drain plug/seal washer.a - Drain plug/seal washerb - O

MAINTENANCEeng 135 3. Unscrew the old filter by using an oil filter wrench tool andturning the filter counterclockwise.a - Oil filterOil Filter Wren

MAINTENANCE 136 engOIL FILLING1. Remove the oil fill cap and add the recommended oil to themidpoint of the operating range (midpoint of cross hatche

MAINTENANCEeng 137 122 MM (4.8 IN.) DIAMETER GEARCASEDraining Gearcase1. Place outboard in a vertical operating position.2.Remove propeller. Refer t

MAINTENANCE 138 eng3. Remove fill/drain plug. Place lubricant tube into the fill holeand add lubricant until it appears at the vent hole.a - Vent ho

MAINTENANCEeng 139 4. Remove vent plug and fill/drain plug and drain lubricant.a - Vent plugb - Fill/drain plugGearcase Lubricant CapacityGearcase l

WARRANTY INFORMATIONeng 5 WHAT MERCURY WILL DO: Mercury's sole and exclusiveobligation under this warranty is limited to, at our option,repairi

MAINTENANCE 140 eng5. Remove lubricant tube and reinstall cleaned fill/drain plugand sealing washer.

STORAGEeng 141 Storage PreparationThe major consideration in preparing your outboard for storage isto protect it from rust, corrosion, and damage ca

STORAGE 142 engTubeRef No.Description Where Used Part No.124Fuel SystemTreatment andStabilizerFuel tank 92-8M0047932Protecting External Outboard Com

STORAGEeng 143 Positioning Outboard for StorageStore outboard in an upright (vertical) position to allow water todrain out of the outboard.NOTICESto

TROUBLESHOOTING 144 engStarter Motor Will Not Crank the EnginePOSSIBLE CAUSES• Lanyard stop switch not in "RUN" position.• Blown 5 amp fus

TROUBLESHOOTINGeng 145 Engine Runs ErraticallyPOSSIBLE CAUSES• Overheating ‑ Warning horn not working.• Low oil pressure. Check oil level.• Spark pl

TROUBLESHOOTING 146 eng• Excessive use of electrical accessories.• Defective rectifier, alternator, or voltage regulator.• Open circuit in the alter

OWNER SERVICE ASSISTANCEeng 147 Local Repair ServiceAlways return your outboard to your local authorized dealershould the need for service arise. On

OWNER SERVICE ASSISTANCE 148 eng• Your name and address• Daytime telephone number• Model and serial number of your outboard• The name and address of

OWNER SERVICE ASSISTANCEeng 149 Asia, SingaporeTelephone (65) 65466160 Brunswick Asia Pacific GroupT/A Mercury Marine Singapore Pte Ltd29 Loyang Dri

WARRANTY INFORMATION 6 engWHAT IS NOT COVERED: This limited warranty does not coverroutine maintenance items, tune‑ups, adjustments, normal wearand

MAINTENANCE LOG 150 engMaintenance LogRecord all maintenance performed on your outboard here. Besure to save all work orders and receipts.Date Maint

WARRANTY INFORMATIONeng 7 For additional information regarding events and circumstancescovered by this warranty, and those that are not, see theWarr

WARRANTY INFORMATION 8 engCONDITIONS THAT MUST BE MET IN ORDER TO OBTAINWARRANTY COVERAGE: Warranty coverage is available onlyto retail customers th

WARRANTY INFORMATIONeng 9 HOW TO OBTAIN WARRANTY COVERAGE: The customermust provide Mercury with a reasonable opportunity to repair,and reasonable a

ii engWarranty MessageThe product you have purchased comes with a limited warrantyfrom Mercury Marine, the terms of the warranty are set forth inth

WARRANTY INFORMATION 10 engCorrosion damage caused by stray electrical currents (onshorepower connections, nearby boats, submerged metal) is notcove

WARRANTY INFORMATIONeng 11 Warranty Coverage and ExclusionsThe purpose of this section is to help eliminate some of the morecommon misunderstandings

WARRANTY INFORMATION 12 eng5. Additional service work requested by customer other thanthat necessary to satisfy the warranty obligation.6. Labor per

WARRANTY INFORMATIONeng 13 16.Our limited warranty does not apply to any damage to ourproducts caused by the installation or use of parts andaccesso

WARRANTY INFORMATION 14 engd. Ignition coil and/or control modulee. Ignition wires4. Lubrication system (4‑Stroke engines excluded)a. Oil pump and i

WARRANTY INFORMATIONeng 15 WHAT IS COVERED: Mercury Marine warrants the componentsof the emissions control systems (see the components listed inthe

WARRANTY INFORMATION 16 engHOW TO OBTAIN WARRANTY COVERAGE: The customermust provide Mercury with a reasonable opportunity to repairand reasonable a

WARRANTY INFORMATIONeng 17 Expenses related to haul‑out, launch, towing, storage, telephone,rental, inconvenience, slip fees, insurance coverage, lo

WARRANTY INFORMATION 18 engCalifornia Air Resources Board Explanation ofYour California Emission Control WarrantyStatementYOUR WARRANTY RIGHTS AND O

WARRANTY INFORMATIONeng 19 As the outboard engine owner, you should, however, be awarethat Mercury Marine may deny you warranty coverage if youroutb

eng iii • Provides timely service for all Mercury Marine customers.• Offers extended service hours and mobile service, whenappropriate.• Uses, displ

WARRANTY INFORMATION 20 eng42538Three Stars ‑ Ultra Low EmissionThe Three Star label identifies engines that meetthe Air Resources Board's Pers

GENERAL INFORMATIONeng 21 Boater's ResponsibilitiesThe operator (driver) is responsible for the correct and safeoperation of the boat and safet

GENERAL INFORMATION 22 engBoat Horsepower Capacity! WARNINGExceeding the boat's maximum horsepower rating can causeserious injury or dea

GENERAL INFORMATIONeng 23 Lanyard Stop SwitchThe purpose of a lanyard stop switch is to turn off the enginewhen the operator moves far enough away f

GENERAL INFORMATION 24 engImportant Safety Information: The purpose of a lanyard stopswitch is to stop the engine when the operator moves far enough

GENERAL INFORMATIONeng 25 ! WARNINGAvoid serious injury or death from deceleration forces resultingfrom accidental or unintended stop switch activat

GENERAL INFORMATION 26 engProtecting People in the WaterWHILE YOU ARE CRUISINGIt is very difficult for a person standing or floating in the water to

GENERAL INFORMATIONeng 27 Passenger Safety Message ‑ Pontoon Boats andDeck BoatsWhenever the boat is in motion, observe the location of allpassenger

GENERAL INFORMATION 28 engBOATS WITH FRONT MOUNTED, RAISED PEDESTALFISHING SEATSElevated fishing seats are not intended for use when the boat istrav

GENERAL INFORMATIONeng 29 ! WARNINGWave or wake jumping can cause serious injury or death fromoccupants being thrown within or out of the boat.

iv engConformity assessmentmodule used for exhaustemissions:☐ B+C☐ B+D☐ B+E☐ B+F☐ G ☒ Hor engine type approvedaccording to:☐ stage II of Directive9

GENERAL INFORMATION 30 eng• The boat could move suddenly in a new direction. Such asharp change in direction can cause occupants to be thrownout of

GENERAL INFORMATIONeng 31 Exhaust EmissionsBE ALERT TO CARBON MONOXIDE POISONINGCarbon monoxide (CO) is a deadly gas that is present in theexhaust f

GENERAL INFORMATION 32 engGOOD VENTILATIONVentilate the passenger area, open side curtains or forwardhatches to remove fumes.Example of desired air

GENERAL INFORMATIONeng 33 2. Examples of poor ventilation while the boat is moving:a - Operating the boat with the trim angle of the bow too highb -

GENERAL INFORMATION 34 engKnow and obey all nautical rules and laws of the waterways.Boat operators should complete a boating safety course.Courses

GENERAL INFORMATIONeng 35 Watch fallen skiers. When using your boat for waterskiing orsimilar activities, always keep a fallen or down skier on theo

GENERAL INFORMATION 36 engModels 225 250 250 Pro 300 Pro 300Kilowatts 165 184 184 221 221Full throttle RPM range 5800‑6400Idle speed in neutralgear1

GENERAL INFORMATIONeng 37 Component Identificationa - Rear cowlb - Lower cowl chapsc - Anti‑ventilationplated - Gearcasee - Cooling waterintake hole

INSTALLATION 38 engInstalling Outboard! WARNINGFailure to correctly fasten the outboard could result in theoutboard propelling off the

INSTALLATIONeng 39 MAXIMUM OUTBOARD MOUNTING HEIGHTThe mounting height of the outboard must not exceed 63.5 cm(25 in.) for L models, 76.2 cm (30 in.

eng v Essentialrequirementsstandardsothernormativedocument/methodtechnicalfilePlease specify inmore detail(* = mandatorystandard)Annex 1.B—Exhaust E

INSTALLATION 40 engPropeller SelectionFor best all around performance from your outboard/boatcombination, select a propeller that allows the engine

TRANSPORTINGeng 41 Trailering Boat/OutboardWhen transporting the boat on a trailer, the outboard should bepositioned and/or supported in one of the

TRANSPORTING 42 eng3. For maximum ground clearance, the outboard can be tiltedto the full tilt position and supported using the outboards tiltsuppor

FUEL AND OILeng 43 Fuel RecommendationsIMPORTANT: Use of improper gasoline can damage yourengine. Engine damage resulting from the use of improperga

FUEL AND OIL 44 engThese reformulated gasolines are acceptable for use in yourMercury Marine engine.GASOLINES CONTAINING ALCOHOLIf the gasoline in y

FUEL AND OILeng 45 IMPORTANT: When operating a Mercury Marine engine ongasoline containing alcohol, storage of gasoline in the fuel tankfor long per

FUEL AND OIL 46 engFuel Demand Valve (FDV) RequirementWhenever a pressurized fuel tank is used, a fuel demand valveis required to be installed in th

FUEL AND OILeng 47 Since sealed fuel tanks are not openly vented, they will expandand contract as the fuel expands and contracts during heatingand c

FUEL AND OIL 48 engFilling Fuel Tank! WARNINGAvoid serious injury or death from a gasoline fire or explosion.Use caution when filling fuel tanks. Al

FUEL AND OILeng 49 IMPORTANT: The use of non‑detergent oils, multi‑viscosity oils(other than Mercury or Quicksilver NMMA FC‑W certified oil or amajo

vi eng

FUEL AND OIL 50 engIMPORTANT: Do not try to fill the oil level to the top of theoperating range (cross hatched region). Oil level is correct aslong

FUEL AND OILeng 51 IMPORTANT: Inspect oil for signs of contamination. Oilcontaminated with water will have a milky color to it; oilcontaminated with

FEATURES AND CONTROLS 52 engPanel Mount Control Features and Operation1. Operation of shift and throttle is controlled by the movementof the control

FEATURES AND CONTROLSeng 53 3. Trim switch (if equipped) ‑ Pressing the trim switch allowsthe engine to trim up or down.51524. Throttle only button

FEATURES AND CONTROLS 54 eng5. Stop/start button ‑ Allows the boat operator to start or stopthe engine without using the ignition key. The ignition

FEATURES AND CONTROLSeng 55 8. Detent tension adjustment screw ‑ This screw can beadjusted to increase or decrease the effort to move controlhandle

FEATURES AND CONTROLS 56 eng2. Trim switch (if equipped) ‑ Pressing the trim switch allowsthe engine to trim up or down.51853. Control handle tensio

FEATURES AND CONTROLSeng 57 6. Select button ‑ Selects the System View on‑screen optionsand confirm data entries. Holding the select button for twos

FEATURES AND CONTROLS 58 engHELM TRANSFER! WARNINGAvoid serious injury or death from loss of boat control. Theboat operator should neve

FEATURES AND CONTROLSeng 59 3. Press throttle only/station select button two times. The"ACTIVE" light will illuminate to indicate the remo

eng vii WARRANTY INFORMATIONWarranty Registration... 1Transfer of Warranty...

FEATURES AND CONTROLS 60 engSlim Binnacle Control Features and Operation1. Operation of shift and throttle is controlled by the movementof the contr

FEATURES AND CONTROLSeng 61 3. Control handle tension adjustment screw ‑ This screw canbe adjusted to increase or decrease the tension on thecontrol

FEATURES AND CONTROLS 62 eng8. Throttle only/station select button ‑ Allows the boat operatorto increase engine RPM for warm‑up, without shifting th

FEATURES AND CONTROLSeng 63 The helm transfer function allows the boat operator to selectwhich helm is in control of engine operation. Pressing the

FEATURES AND CONTROLS 64 engDual Handle Console Control Features andOperation1. Operation of shift and throttle is controlled by the movementof the

FEATURES AND CONTROLSeng 65 4. Detent tension adjustment screw ‑ This screw can beadjusted to increase or decrease the effort to move controlhandle

FEATURES AND CONTROLS 66 eng8. Neutral LEDs ‑ The neutral LEDs illuminate when enginesare in neutral gear position. The lights will flash when inthr

FEATURES AND CONTROLSeng 67 Engine auto synchronization will automatically engage whenengine speed is over 900 RPM for two seconds and remotecontrol

FEATURES AND CONTROLS 68 engNOTE: There is a 10 second time frame to complete a helmtransfer. If the helm transfer is not completed, the action will

FEATURES AND CONTROLSeng 69 Dual Handle Console Control with CAN TrackpadFeatures and OperationDUAL-HANDLE CONSOLE CONTROL WITH CANTRACKPAD: FEATURE

viii engInstallationInstalling Outboard...38Propeller Selection...

FEATURES AND CONTROLS 70 eng4. Troll button ‑ Pressing the "TROLL" button activates trollcontrol. The troll control feature allows the boa

FEATURES AND CONTROLSeng 71 9. Sync button ‑ Pressing the "SYNC" button turns off or on theauto synchronization feature. Refer to Synchron

FEATURES AND CONTROLS 72 eng11.Detent tension adjustment screw ‑ This screw can beadjusted to increase or decrease the effort to move controlhandle

FEATURES AND CONTROLSeng 73 HELM TRANSFER! WARNINGAvoid serious injury or death from loss of boat control. Theboat operator should neve

FEATURES AND CONTROLS 74 engSynchronizing Helms Prior to TransferPressing the "TRANSFER" button allows the boat operator 10seconds to matc

FEATURES AND CONTROLSeng 75 Port EngineCenterEngineStarboardEngineControl Handle FunctionRunning Off RunningPort engine throttle and shift =controll

FEATURES AND CONTROLS 76 engPort OuterEnginePortInnerEngineStarboardInnerEngineStarboardOuterEngineControl HandleFunctionRunning Running Running Run

FEATURES AND CONTROLSeng 77 Port OuterEnginePortInnerEngineStarboardInnerEngineStarboardOuterEngineControl HandleFunctionRunning Off Off RunningPort

FEATURES AND CONTROLS 78 engIf a failure should occur while underway which causes thestarboard outer engines into forced neutral/idle condition, the

FEATURES AND CONTROLSeng 79 2. Throttle only/station select button ‑ Allows the boat operatorto increase engine RPM for warm‑up, without shifting th

eng ix OperationPrestarting Check List...98Operating in Freezing Temperatures...

FEATURES AND CONTROLS 80 eng7. Sync LED ‑ The "SYNC" LED illuminates when the RPM ofthe engines are being synchronized by the DTS system.a

FEATURES AND CONTROLSeng 81 HELM TRANSFER! WARNINGAvoid serious injury or death from loss of boat control. Theboat operator should neve

FEATURES AND CONTROLS 82 eng3. Press throttle only/station select button two times. The"ACTIVE" light will illuminate to indicate the remo

FEATURES AND CONTROLSeng 83 Port EngineCenterEngineStarboardEngineControl Handle FunctionRunning Running RunningPort engine throttle and shift =cont

FEATURES AND CONTROLS 84 engIf a failure should occur while underway which causes one of theouter engines into forced neutral/idle condition, the ce

FEATURES AND CONTROLSeng 85 Port OuterEnginePortInnerEngineStarboardInnerEngineStarboardOuterEngineControl HandleFunctionOff (ignitionkey switchturn

FEATURES AND CONTROLS 86 engTurning off the port outer engine while underway will cause theport inner engine to go into forced neutral/idle. Operati

FEATURES AND CONTROLSeng 87 2. Neutral lights ‑ The neutral lights illuminate when the engineis in neutral gear position. The lights will flash when

FEATURES AND CONTROLS 88 eng7. 1 lever button ‑ Pressing the "1 LEVER" button initiatessingle lever mode. Single lever mode enables the th

FEATURES AND CONTROLSeng 89 10.Detent tension adjustment screw ‑ This screw can beadjusted to increase or decrease the effort to move controlhandle