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Fuel System
5.4 Fuel System Maintenance
Periodically inspect all primer bulbs, connections,
clamps and hoses for leakage and damage or
deterioration. Replace as necessary. Spray the
valve, tank fuel gauge sender and ground con-
nections with a metal protector. Removable ac-
cess plates in the cockpit sole provide access to
the fuel gauge sender, fuel tank ttings and tank
ground connection.
Frequently inspect and lubricate the fuel ll cap
O-ring seal with Teon or silicone grease. The
O-ring seal prevents water from entering the fuel
system through the fuel ll cap and should be im-
mediately replaced if there is any sign of damage
or deterioration.
The fuel vent screen should be clear and free
from corrosion and salt buildup. The screen will
prevent insects and other foreign matter from
contaminating the fuel and fuel system. Fuel vent
should be replaced if the vent or screen are dam-
aged or badly corroded. Fuel vent screens that
are clogged will prevent the fuel tank from venting
properly and make lling the fuel tank dicult or
cause fuel supply problems to the engine.
Contaminated fuel may cause serious damage
to your engine. Fuel lters must be checked for
corrosion and deterioration frequently. Fuel lters
must be changed at least once a season or more
frequently depending on the type of engine and
the quality of the fuel. Please refer to the engine
or fuel lter manufacturer’s instructions for infor-
mation on servicing and replacing the fuel lter.
The age of gasoline can eect engine performance.
Chemical changes occur as the gasoline ages that
can cause deposits and varnish in the fuel system
as well as reduce the octane rating of the fuel.
Severely degraded fuel can damage the engine
and boat fuel tank and lines. Therefore, if your
boat is not being run enough to require at least
one full tank of fresh fuel a month, a fuel stabilizer
should be added to the gasoline to protect the
fuel from degradation. Your dealer or the engine
manufacturer can provide additional information
on fuel degradation and fuel stabilizers recom-
mended for your engine.
In many states, most gasoline is blended with
ethanol alcohol. Ethanol is a strong solvent and
can absorb water during periods of storage. You
should refer to the engine operating manual for
information regarding alcohol blended fuels and
how it aects the operation of your marine engine.
DO NOT DRAIN ANY FUEL INTO THE BILGE WHEN SERVICING
THE FUEL SYSTEM. THIS COULD LEAD TO A FIRE OR
EXPLOSION.
AFTER THE FILTER ELEMENT HAS BEEN CHANGED, PRIME
THE FUEL SYSTEM AND CHECK ALL FITTINGS FOR LEAKS
BEFORE AND AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE, ALWAYS OPEN ALL
HATCHES, WINDOWS AND DOORS TO COMPLETELY
VENTILATE THE BOAT AFTER SERVICING THE FUEL SYSTEM.
TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF A FIRE OR EXPLOSION,
MAKE SURE ALL ELECTRICAL SWITCHES ARE IN THE “OFF”
POSITION BEFORE SERVICING THE FUEL SYSTEM.
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH FROM FIRE OR EXPLOSION
RESULTING FROM LEAKING FUEL, INSPECT SYSTEM FOR
LEAKS AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR.
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