385
/
2023 OWNER’S MANUAL
In addition to preventing water intrusion, sealing can prevent the
gumming that occurs when the hydrocarbons in gasoline react
with naturally occurring oxygen. This gummy substance plugs up
fuel filters and injectors. Sealing the tank helps reduce gumming
by significantly limiting the amount of oxygen that is allowed into
the fuel tank. If the tank vent is sealed for storage/winterization, it
must be unsealed prior to the boat being placed back into service.
Failure to do so will result in issues when trying to fill the gas tank
in future fill-ups.
Note: Fuel stabilizers work ONLY in fresh gasoline. Stabilizers will
not cure oxygenated gasoline. Adding a stabilizer when the boat
is being prepared for outings after storage will NOT clean the
gumming that has occurred or remove water from the fuel tank
or otherwise eliminate any problems that have occurred due to
failure to properly prepare the fueling system for storage.
Engine manufacturers suggest using Federal or State of California
reformulated gasoline whenever possible as it stores as well or
better than conventional gasoline.
Even quality gasoline that has been properly prepared for storage
should never be stored for a period to exceed one (1) year.
Fuel systems on all boats MUST be properly prepared for storage
periods exceeding two (2) weeks, as outlined in this Owner’s
Manual. Failure to do so may void the warranty.
Boats that are going to be stored for extended periods
(more than two [2] weeks) or winterized should have the
fuel system treated with stabilizer. Even TOP TIER gasolines
will experience some separation and settling during these
periods. Of considerable concern is that water condensation
will occur within the fuel system. Water is particularly harmful
to fuel tanks and engines, therefore, follow this procedure:
1. The fuel tank should be ninety-to-ninety-five percent (90-95%)
full of TOP TIER gasoline. This allows for minimal room in which
air can oxygenate the fuel during diurnal cycles (daily periods of
expansion/contraction of gasoline vapors and air as a result of
temperature changes).
2. Add a biocide additive in the fuel tank to limit microbial
growth in the gasoline. Follow the directions provided by the
additive’s manufacturer.
3. Add a fuel stabilizer, such as Sta-Bil® (preferably the Marine
grade or Ethanol grade stabilizer) to the fuel tank. Follow the
directions provided by the stabilizer’s manufacturer.
4. Run the engine for at least fifeen (15) minutes while in a
body of water. This allows for the circulation of the additives
throughout the fuel system.
During storage, the tank vents can be sealed. If the vent is sealed,
the tank must NOT be completely filled. A ninety-to-ninety-five
percent (90-95%) filled tank allows room for expansion, which will
be required at certain times when temperatures increase.
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
