Four winns FUNSHIP - J-7 SYSTEM MAINTE­NANCE; B. Winterizing the Water System

Owner’s Manual Page 81Ventilation & Drainage Systems - Section K
K - 1 ENGINE COMPARTMENT
VENTILATION
All Four Winns
®
stern drive models are equipped with
engine compartment ventilation. This system is de-
signed to meet or exceed the requirements (in effect
at the time of manufacture) of the U.S. Coast Guard,
the National Marine Manufacturers Association, and
the American Boat and Yacht Council.
A. Natural Ventilation System
This system includes air intake and exhaust com-
ponents. The exhaust ducting reaches to the lower
bilge area. This provides adequate air movement
while underway and during bilge blower operation.
B. Forced Air Ventilation
All Four Winns
®
models are equipped with an electric
bilge blower. The bilge blower provides the ventilation
required prior to starting the engines and while at idle.
See Section H - Electrical Systems for blower opera-
tion instructions.
Gasoline vapors can explode resulting in injury
or death. Before starting the engine, check
the engine compartment bilge for gasoline or
vapors, and operate blower for four (4) min-
utes, and verify blower operation. Run blower
when vessel is operating below cruising speed.
ALWAYS operate the bilge blower while the
engines are at idle.
C. Engine Ventilation System Maintenance
Periodic inspection and cleaning of the ventilation
ducts is necessary to ensure adequate air circulation.
A buildup of leaves, twigs, or other debris can se-
v
erely reduce ventilation. Be sure bilge water does not
accumulate to a level that would obstruct the ventila-
tion ducts.
Blower operation can be tested by placing a hand over
the vents. DO NOT rely on the sound of the blower.
Be sure a substantial amount of air is being exhausted
by the bilge blower. Check the bilge blower system
often, preferably before each cruise.
Should blower noise and vibration be excessive,
loosening the bilge blower mounting screws and then
tightening evenly usually reduces noise considerably.
K - 2 HULL DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
A. Transom Drain
A transom drain with plug is provided in the engine
compartment to allow water drainage. When the boat
is out of the water, the boat and trailer should be
positioned so any bilge water accumulation during dry
storagewillowtowardsthetransom.
Be sure the drain plug is securely in place
prior to launching the boat. Upon shipment of
the boat, the drain plug is usually taped to the
steering wheel.
B. Bilge Pumps
Bilge pumps are provided in the bottom of the hull to
remove miscellaneous water accumulations that might
occur during normal boating or weather conditions.
The bilge pump is controlled by the bilge pump switch
on the dash panel. See Section H-3 for a detailed
description of the bilge pump switches.
Bilge pumps equipped with automatic switches are
standard on most models. As the water level rises, the
automaticoatswitchwillactivatethepump.
When leaving the boat unattended for long periods of
time or during excessive rain storms, it is a good idea
to check on the boat for excessive water accumula-
t
ion.Besureboththebilgepumpandautomaticoat
switch are operating properly. The operating time of
the bilge pump will be limited to the battery capacity.
NOTICE
While at rest, any bilge water accumulation
may ow forward. Therefore, operate the bilge
pump shortly after getting underway and while
the boat is at a substantial running angle. DO
NOT allow bilge water to accumulate. Damage
to the engine or other components may result.
Periodically, clean the bilge pump strainers. DO NOT
allow dirt and debris to clog the bilge pump intakes.
Checkoperationofthebilgepumpoatswitchoften
to ensure movement of the switch is not restricted by
debris, portions of the hull, etc.
Wipe up any oil accumulation in the bilge prior to
activation of the bilge pump. Pumping oil overboard
willpollutethewater,andissubjecttone.
Ventilation and Drainage Systems