Four winns SL series, Owner'S Manual

Page: 78 / 175

Owner’s Manual Page 75 Fuel Systems - Section I
When the fuel gauge begins to register below the
“full” mark, the gauge readings will drop much faster
until it reads” empty”. When this occurs, the trim angle
has affected the sender reading. When the gauge
registers “empty”, the sender has bot tomed out and
there may be 3 to 4 gal lons of fuel in the tank.
See Figure I5.
Figure I5: Trim Angle Effect with Low Fuel
F. Fuel Filters
Fuel filters are installed on each engine. Filters should
changed frequently to assure an ade quate supply of
fuel to the engine. Refer to the engine manual for ad
-
ditional infor ma tion. The engine manual is included in
the owner’s information packet.
NOTICE
Canister-type filters should be changed
annually.
G. Use and Maintenance
DO NOT let the odor of gasoline go un-
checked. If the odor of gasoline is noted, DO
NOT START ENGINE. If engine is running,
SHUT OFF EN GINE, ELEC TRI CAL AND
HEAT GEN ERATING EQUI P MENT. Investi-
gate and cor rect the situa tion imme diately!
Have all passen gers put on per sonal flotation
de vices and keep fire extin guishers at hand
until the situation is resolved.
Avoid serious injury or death from fire or
explosion resulting from leaking fuel. Inspect
systems for leaks at least once a year.
To help guard against damage, avoid the
stor age or han dling of gear near the fuel lines,
fittings and tanks.
I - 2 FUEL STANDARDS
Be cautious when using gasoline that contains
alcohol. The fuel system components on the plastic
fuel tanks used by Four Winns® will withstand up
to 10% alcohol content in the gasoline. Also refer to
the section on gasoline require ments in your engine
manual for additional information.
To conform to Federal Air Quality Stan dards,
the petro leum indus try reduced the amount
of tetra eth yl lead in gasoline. Alcohol is be-
ing blended with gasoline to help restore the
octane rating lost when the lead was removed.
While blending alcohol with gas oline increases
the oc tane level of the fuel, it can also create
certain safety and performance related
problems for boaters.
A. Problems with Alcohol in Gasoline
Below is a list of problems which may be experi enced
when using blended gasoline.
1. Premature deterioration of fuel system com po-
nents may occur. Alcohol will attack rubber fuel
hoses, fuel tanks, fuel filters, fuel pumps and
rubber gaskets. This deteriora tion will lead to fuel
system leakage.
2. Phase separation of fuel will cause contami na-
tion. Water which accumulates in the tank through
contamination or condensation will be absorbed by
the alcohol. This water- heavy alcohol will settle at
the bottom of the tank. This phase separation will
lead to fuel tank corrosion. This may also result in
a lean mixture to the carburetor and cause engine
stalling or possible engine damage.
The use of alcohol additives in gasoline has become
more widespread. Regulations on public notification of
the existence of additives is current ly controlled by the
Environmental Protec tion Agency (EPA). Some states
do require that gasoline pumps display information on
additives (especially alcohol). If alcohol content is not
posted, ask and avoid using fuel containing alco hol if
possible.