This document provides an overview and introduction to Mercury Marine's service manual for GM V8 454 cid and 502 cid marine engines. It covers topics such as how to use the manual, page numbering conventions, reading parts manuals, directional references, engine rotation, serial number locations, propeller information, water testing new engines, factors that affect boat and engine performance, and more. The document is the first section of the service manual and aims to give technicians important background information before servicing the engines.