MJM Yachts 34z Express - Manual (Page 12)

CHAPTER 3 PROPULSION SYSTEM
- 12 - 34z
IGNITION PANEL
12v DC OUTLET
WINDLASS CONTROL & BREAKER
ENGINE FIRE SUPPRESSION
BOW THRUSTER INTERRUPT
3.6 PROPELLER
The 34z uses a right-hand or left-hand propeller, depending on the customer’s preference. The
primary difference is in boat handling characteristics at low speed, especially in reverse. A right-
hand prop will tend to pull the stern to port when backing. The same transmission is used for
either prop and is factory set for the orientation of your propeller. This is easily changed if you
should ever decide to switch propeller orientation.
3.7 SHAFT
SEALS
The prop shaft exits the boat just aft of the transmission. The seal that keeps water from entering
the boat is drip-less. It is not uncommon, especially while breaking-in the seal, to see some
temporary dripping. After this period though, the seal should remain virtually dry. The tube
attached to the seal provides a raw water supply for cooling.
Be sure shaft seal collar is secured to shaft with doughnut shaped zinc in
front of it. If the collar slides forward there is a risk of significant water ingress.
3.8 STARTING
Before starting the engine, make sure that the raw water
intake seacock is open, that the strainer is clean, the
engine has sufficient oil and coolant and that there are
no restrictions to the air intake grills. Check that the fuel selector switch is in either the PORT,
STARBOARD, or BOTH position. Also, the throttle must be in the neutral position. Insure that no
one is in the water near the boat and that all machinery space hatches are closed. Check the
state of the batteries to insure that there has not been an unexpected drain. Make sure the
battery selector switches for the engine start bank and the house battery bank are both ON. Turn
the key to ON and note the fuel level gauges. Then, turn the key to the START position (all the
way to the right) and hold it there until the engine runs. If the starter is audibly working, but the
engine fails to fire, do not hold the key in the START position for more than 10 seconds as
damage to the starter may result and the battery may become discharged. Consult the operator’s
manual for troubleshooting recommendations.
Note: the transmission has a neutral safety switch that prevents the engine from starting in any
gear but neutral. If the throttle control appears to be in neutral but the engine will not crank, one
possible reason is that the neutral safety switch is calibrated incorrectly. This should be checked
after it is verified that the engine start battery switch is ON and that it has proper voltage. Also
check the engine manual for troubleshooting procedures.