The purpose of this SAE Recommended Practice is to provide guides toward standard conditions for operating marine engine throttles (gasoline or diesel) where push-pull cable control is applicable.

For control cable information see SAE J917.

This SAE Recommended Practice applies to speedometers, odometers, and speedometer drives typical of passenger vehicles, buses, and trucks used for personal or commercial purposes. The method of determining wheel revolutions per unit distance (3.1) and overall system design variation (3.3.3) are applicable to passenger cars only. Comparable recommendations for trucks and buses are under development. The data of tachometers is applicable to vehicular use, as previously described, and also to stationary and marine engines and special vehicles.

This SAE Recommended Practice covers the requirements for all marine inboard engine wiring, wiring assemblies, wiring components, and wiring connectors connected to microprocessors associated with the operation of the propulsion system, operating at 50 V or less.

EXCEPTION—Outboard engines and engines in Personal Water Craft (PWC).

NOTE: See ABYC E11 for additional requirements related to electrical installations on small craft.

This SAE Standard has been adopted to provide a basis for dynamometer determination of gross engine power and torque under reference conditions. It is intended for use primarily by engine manufacturers who supply engines for installation by others in applications where the engine manufacturer may not control the induction and exhaust system design or the speed at which the engine is run.

This document describes the application of the SAE J1939 recommended practices for compliance with on-board diagnostic malfunction detection system requirements for marine sterndrive and inboard spark ignition engines, as mandated by the California Air Resources Board (CARB). These Otto-cycle engines are not derived from automotive diesel-cycle engines.

This SAE Standard covers the minimum requirements for design, construction, and testing of devices to prevent the propagation of backfire flame from within the gasoline engine to the surrounding atmosphere.

This SAE Recommended Practice specifies graphic symbols for operator controls, gauges, tell-tales, indicators, instructions, and warning against risks in small craft and for engines and other equipment intended to be used in small craft.

This recommended practice covers the requirements of magnetic or thermal circuit breakers for use in marine applications for 50 V DC or less.