4. SYSTEMS & COMPONENTS__PAGE 45
4.1.1 Fuel tank
The A27 boat is equipped with an aluminium fuel tank with a capacity of 390 litres. As a
precaution, all capacity may not be useable due to trim and loading conditions, so
consider keeping at a minimum 20% of reserve fuel in the tank.
Fuel tanks with levels less than 20% capacity can cause engine stalling problems due to
fuel starvation or by allowing sediment and dirt to enter the fuel supply lines. Keep the
tank full and monitor the fuel level often to prevent this from happening.
4.1.2 Filling the tank
Ensure that the right type of fuel is selected (check engine manual). When filling the tank,
do not attempt to top off the tank. When the nozzle shuts off, the tank is full, and
continuing to fill past the fuel fill shut-off will cause the system to spit back some fuel.
Before fuelling, carefully read the chapter on Fire Prevention in this manual!
4.1.3 Phase separation
Humidity and condensation in your fuel tank can adversely affect the function, in
particular with ethanol blended fuel. A condition called phase separation can occur if
water is drawn into the fuel beyond the saturation point. The presence for water in the
fuel beyond the saturation level separates most of the ethanol in the fuel from the bulk
fuel and drops to the bottom of the tank, significantly reducing the level of ethanol in the
fuel mixture in the upper level (phase). If the lower level (phase), consisting of water and
ethanol, is deep enough to reach the fuel inlet, it could be pumped directly into the
engine(s) and cause significant problems. Engine problems can also result from the
reduced ethanol/fuel mixture left in the upper phase of the tank, or just from the water
contamination.
If phase separation occurs, your only remedy is to drain the fuel, clean and dry the tank
completely and refill with a fresh, clean tank of fuel.
To avoid these problems avoid water accumulation in the tank. Try to maintain a high
fuel level in the tank, in particular when the boat is not in use for longer periods. This
reduces the air flow in and out of the tank due to changes in temperature as well as
limiting fuel exposure to humidity and condensation.
4.1.4 Fuel filter
As a part of the fuel system, a fuel filter is installed in-between the tank and the engine.
There is always an external filter mounted in the boat. The exact location varies between
engine brands and engine installation companies. Some engines also have a filter under
the engine hood.
Maintenance of the fuel filter is essential to secure a reliable operation. For some
engines, the filter can also be connected to the instrumentation and provide a warning if
it need maintenance.
Please check the instructions provided by the dealer who installed the engine.
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