Boston Whaler 325 Conquest, Owner'S Manual

Page: 84 / 207

3-6
Chapter 3 • Systems Overview and Operation
R
325 Conquest
Ethanol has a high octane rating and therefore may
be useful in increasing the octane level of unleaded
gasoline. The fuel-system components of Mercury
engine(s) have been tested to perform with the
maximum level of ethanol-blended gasoline (10
percent) currently allowed by the U.S. EPA.
Special precautions should be considered with the use
of fuel containing ethanol in your system. Fuels with
ethanol can attack some fuel-system components,
such as tanks and lines, if they are not constructed
from ethanol-compatible materials. This can lead to
operational problems or safety issues such as clogged
filters, leaks or engine damage.
The use of improper gasoline or additives can
damage your fuel system and is considered
misuse of the system. Damaged caused by
improper gasoline or additives is not covered
under warranty.
NOTICE
• Leaking fuel is a fire and explosion hazard,
inspect the system regularly. Examine fuel
tanks and exposed lines for leaks and
corrosion.
• Oil and fuel spills can be dangerous and can
subject offenders to severe penalties
!
CAUTION
NOTICE
It is your responsibility to read and understand
the engine manufacturer’s manual in your
owner’s packet for complete fuel and fueling
information and warnings.
The use of fuels containing ethanol higher than
10 percent (E-10) can damage your engine and/
or fuel system and will void the warranty.
!
CAUTION
E85 FUELS COULD SERIOUSLY DAMAGE YOUR
ENGINES AND MUST NEVER BE USED.
Ethanol-Blended Fuel
This vessel was manufactured and shipped from the
factory with ethanol-compatible materials. Before
introducing gasoline with ethanol into your fuel tank,
ask your dealer if any components have been added
or replaced that are not recommended by Boston
Whaler, Mercury, or may not be ethanol-compatible.
It is best to maintain a full tank of fuel when the
vessel is not in use. This will reduce air flow in and
out of the tank due to changes in temperature as
well as limiting ethanol exposure to humidity and
condensation in the tank.
Phase Separation
Humidity and condensation create water in your fuel
tank which can adversely effect the ethanol blended
fuel. A condition called phase separation can occur
if water is drawn into the fuel beyond the saturation
point. The presence of water in the fuel beyond the
saturation level will cause most of the ethanol in the
fuel to separate from the bulk fuel and drop to the
bottom of the tank, significantly reducing the level
of ethanol in the fuel mixture in the upper level
(phase). If the lower level (phase), consisting of
water and ethanol, is deep enough to reach the fuel
inlet, it could be pumped directly to the engine(s) and
cause significant problems. Engine problems can also
result from the reduced ethanol/fuel mixture left in
the upper phase of the tank.
There is no practical additive known that can prevent
or correct phase separation. The only solution is to
keep water from accumulating in the tank. If phase
separation does occur, your only remedy is to drain
the fuel, clean and dry the tank completely and refill
with a fresh, dry load of fuel.
Fuel/Water Separators
Fuel water separators (filters) are provided for both
engines and the generator. The addition of another
in-line filter to the system may create a possible flow
restriction that can starve the engine(s) of fuel. It
is advisable to carry extra on-engine filters in case
filter plugging from debris in the fuel tank becomes a
problem during boating. Consult your Boston Whaler
dealer for recommendations regarding filters that
meet Mercury’s specifications.