Four winns FUNSHIP - Fuel.filters; Use.and.maintenance; Problems.with.alcohol.in.gasoline

Owner’s Manual Page 73Fuel Systems - Section I
When the fuel gauge begins to register below the
“full” mark, the gauge readings will drop much faster
until it reads” empty”. When this occurs, the trim angle
has affected the sender reading. When the gauge
registers “empty”, the sender has bottomed out and
there may be 3 to 4 gallons of fuel in the tank.
See Figure I-5.
Figure I-5: Trim Angle Effect with Low Fuel
F. Fuel Filters
Fuelltersareinstalledoneachengine.Filtersshould
changed frequently to assure an adequate supply of
fuel to the engine. Refer to the engine manual for ad-
ditional information. The engine manual is included in
the owner’s information packet.
NOTICE
Canister-type lters should be changed
annually.
G. Use and Maintenance
DO NOT let the odor of gasoline go un-
checked. If the odor of gasoline is noted, DO
NOT START ENGINE. If engine is running,
SHUT OFF ENGINE, ELECTRICAL AND
HEAT GENERATING EQUIPMENT. Investi-
gate and correct the situation immediately!
Have all passengers put on personal otation
devices and keep re extinguishers at hand
until the situation is resolved.
Avoid serious injury or death from re or
explosion resulting from leaking fuel. Inspect
systems for leaks at least once a year.
To help guard against damage, avoid the
storage or handling of gear near the fuel lines,
ttings and tanks.
I - 2 FUEL STANDARDS
Be cautious when using gasoline that contains alco-
hol. Refer to the section on gasoline requirements in
your engine manual for additional information.
To conform to Federal Air Quality Standards,
the petroleum industry reduced the amount
of tetraethyl lead in gasoline. Alcohol is be-
ing blended with gasoline to help restore the
octane rating lost when the lead was removed.
While blending alcohol with gasoline increases
the octane level of the fuel, it can also create
certain safety and performance related
problems for boaters.
A. Problems with Alcohol in Gasoline
Below is a list of problems which may be experienced
when using blended gasoline.
1. Premature deterioration of fuel system compo-
nents may occur. Alcohol will attack rubber fuel
hoses,fueltanks,fuellters,fuelpumpsand
rubber gaskets. This deterioration will lead to fuel
system leakage.
2. Phase separation of fuel will cause contamination.
Water which accumulates in the tank through
contamination or condensation will be absorbed by
the alcohol. This water-heavy alcohol will settle at
the bottom of the tank. This phase separation will
lead to fuel tank corrosion. This may also result in
a lean mixture to the carburetor and cause engine
stalling or possible engine damage.
The use of alcohol additives in gasoline has become
morewidespread.Regulationsonpublicnoticationof
the existence of additives is currently controlled by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Some states
do require that gasoline pumps display information on
additives (especially alcohol). If alcohol content is not
posted, ask and avoid using fuel containing alcohol if
possible.