57
Fuel System
To ll the fuel tank, follow this procedure:
• The fuel cap is hinged and does not require a
key. Press the release button on the side of
the cap and swing it open for fueling.
• Make sure the nozzle is equipped with an
automatic shuto valve. Then put the nozzle
in the fuel ll opening and make sure it stays
in contact with the fuel ll tting during the
entire fueling operation.
• Fill the tank until the shuto valve in the pump
nozzle clicks and automatically stops the fuel
ow.
• Remove the nozzle and close the cap.
SPILLED FUEL CAN CAUSE A FIRE OR AN EXPLOSION.
MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT SPILL ANY FUEL. IF A SMALL
AMOUNT OF FUEL IS SPILLED ON THE FIBERGLASS, USE A
CLOTH TO REMOVE THE FUEL AND PROPERLY DISPOSE OF
THE CONTAMINATED CLOTH. IF FUEL IS SPILLED ON THE
WATER, EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION. FUEL FLOATS ON
THE SURFACE OF THE WATER AND CAN IGNITE. IF FUEL
IS SPILLED INTO THE WATER, IMMEDIATELY EVACUATE
THE AREA AND NOTIFY THE MARINA AND THE PROPER
OFFICIALS.
Preparing The Boat For Operation
Use the following procedure to prepare the
boat for operation when fueling operations
are complete:
• Open all hatches, windows and doors.
• Check the fuel compartment and below the
deck for fuel odors. If you smell fuel, do not
start the engines.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A FIRE AND/OR EXPLOSION,
DO NOT START THE ENGINES WHEN FUEL FUMES ARE
PRESENT. FUEL FUMES ARE DANGEROUS AND HARMFUL
TO YOUR HEALTH.
MAKE SURE ALL GASOLINE ODORS ARE INVESTIGATED
IMMEDIATELY.
GASOLINE FUEL VAPORS THAT ACCUMULATE IN THE HEAD
COMPARTMENT OR AFT SYSTEMS COMPARTMENT WHILE
FUELING CAN EXPLODE!! TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A
FIRE AND/OR EXPLOSION ALWAYS OPEN ALL HATCHES,
WINDOWS AND DOORS TO COMPLETELY VENTILATE THE
BOAT BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINES.
5.4 Fuel System Maintenance
Periodically inspect all primer bulbs, connections,
clamps and hoses for leakage, damage or deteriora-
tion. Replace as necessary. Spray the valves, tank
fuel gauge sender and ground connections with a
metal protector.
Frequently inspect and lubricate the fuel ll cap seal
with Teon or silicone grease. The seal prevents
water from entering the fuel system through the
fuel ll cap and it should be immediately replaced if
there is any sign of damage or deterioration.
Contaminated fuel may cause serious damage to
your engines. 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. Refer to the engine or fuel
lter manufacturer’s instructions for information 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 recommended for your engine.
In many states, most gasoline is blended with etha-
nol 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.