Boston Whaler CONQUEST 345, Owner'S Manual

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3-7 345 Conquest
Section 3 • Systems & Components Overview & Operation Section 3 • Systems & Components Overview & Operation
345 Conquest
R
Section 3 • Systems & Components Overview & Operation
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 Fuels
Ethanol is an oxygenated hydrocarbon compound
that has a high octane rating and therefore is useful
in increasing the octane level of unleaded gasoline.
The fuel-system components of your Mercury
engine(s) have been tested to perform with the
maximum level of ethanol-blended gasoline (10%
ethanol) currently allowed by the EPA in the United
States.
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 made from
acceptable 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 WILL NOT be
covered under warranty.
NOTICE
Your boat 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.
Filling The Tank
It is best to maintain a full tank of fuel when the
engine is not in use. This will reduce air flow in and
out of the tank due to changes in temperature as
well as limiting exposure of the ethanol in the fuel
to humidity and condensation.
Phase Separation
Humidity and condensation create water in your fuel
tank which can adversly 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.
Additives
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 Filters
Mercury already provides the appropriate level of
filtration to protect the engine from debris. The
addition of another in-line filter to the system will
create a possible flow restriction that can starve the
engine(s) of fuel.
Periodically inspect for the presence of water in the
fuel tank. If any is found, all water must be removed
and the tank completely dried before refilling the tank
with any fuel containing ethanol.
Your Boston Whaler dealer will have recommendations
regarding filters that meet Mercury’s specifications.
Fuel/water Separator
The fuel/water separator has been determined to be
within Mercury specifications and will not restrict
the flow of adequate fuel to the engine(s).
Maintenance