Albemarle 288 EXPRESS FISHERMAN, Owner'S Manual

Page: 27 / 122

27
288 OBXF
3. Make sure all passengers leave the boat.
4. The engines should be turned off.
5. The windows, cabin door and deck hatches should be
closed.
6. Estimate how much fuel is needed.
Note: When the fuel tank is full, fuel will come out
through the fuel tank vent. The fuel tank vent is
located on the side of the boat. Monitor the vent
closely while fueling to prevent fuel from spilling
into the water.
5. A special key to open the fuel cap is supplied. Turn the
key counterclockwise to open the cap.
7. Remove the cap.
8. Put the nozzle in the fuel opening.
STATIC ELECTRICITY CAN BE GENERATED WHILE
FUELING AND CAN CAUSE A FIRE OR EXPLOSION.
TO PREVENT STATIC SPARKS WHEN FILLING THE
TANK, MAKE SURE THE NOZZLE IS IN CONTACT
WITH THE FUEL OPENING.
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.
9. Fill the tank slightly less than the rated capacity to avoid
spilling fuel out of the vent or the fuel fill and to allow for
expansion.
10. Remove the nozzle.
11. Install the fuel cap.
12. Open all hatches, windows and doors.
13. Check the fuel compartment and below the deck for
fuel odors. If you smell fuel, do not start the engines.
Investigate and correct any problems before using the
boat.
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINES, ALWAYS
OPEN ALL HATCHES, WINDOWS, AND DOORS TO
COMPLETELY VENTILATE THE BOAT.
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.
3.4 Fuel System Maintenance
Periodically inspect all connections, clamps and hoses for
leakage and damage or deterioration. Replace as necessary.
Spray the valves, tank fuel gauge sender and ground
connections with a metal protector.
Frequently inspect and lubricate the fuel fill cap O-ring seal
with Teflon or silicone grease. The O-ring seal prevents water
from entering the fuel system through the fuel fill cap and it
should be replaced immediately if there is any sign of damage
or deterioration.
Contaminated fuel may cause serious damage to your engines.
The filters must be checked for water and other contamination
frequently. The filter elements must be changed at least once
a season or more frequently depending on the quality of the
fuel. Please refer to the engine or fuel filter manufacturer’s
instructions for information on servicing and replacing the
fuel filter elements.
The age of gasoline can affect 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
engines 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.