Four winns SL series, Owner'S Manual

Page: 88 / 175

Owner’s Manual Page 85 Ventilation & Drainage Systems - Section K
K - 1 ENGINE COMPARTMENT
VENTILATION
All Four Winns
®
stern drive models are equipped
with engine compartment ventilation. This system
is designed to meet or exceed the requirements (in
effect at the time of manufacture) of the U.S. Coast
Guard, the National Marine Manufacturers Associa
-
tion, and the Ameri can Boat and Yacht Coun cil.
A. Natural Ventilation System
This system includes air intake and exhaust com-
ponents. The exhaust ducting reaches to the lower
bilge area. This provides adequate air movement
while underway and during bilge blower operation.
B. Forced Air Ventilation
All Four Winns
®
models are equipped with an electric
bilge blower. The bilge blower provides the venti lation
required prior to starting the en gines and while at idle.
See Sec tion H - Electrical Systems for blower opera-
tion instructions.
Gasoline vapors can explode resulting in injury
or death. Before starting the engine, check
the engine com part ment bilge for gasoline or
vapors, and operate blower for four (4) min-
utes, and verify blower operation. Run blower
when vessel is operating below cruising speed.
AL WAYS oper ate the bilge blow er while the
engines are at idle.
C. Engine Ventilation System Mainte nance
Periodic inspection and cleaning of the ventilation
ducts is necessary to ensure adequate air circula tion.
A buildup of leaves, twigs, or other debris can se-
verely reduce ventilation. Be sure bilge water does not
accumulate to a level that would obstruct the ventila-
tion ducts.
Blower operation can be tested by placing a hand over
the vents. DO NOT rely on the sound of the blower.
Be sure a substantial amount of air is being exhausted
by the bilge blower. Check the bilge blower system
often, preferably before each cruise.
Should blower noise and vibration be excessive,
loosening the bilge blower mounting screws and then
tightening evenly usually reduces noise considerably.
K - 2 HULL DRAINAGE SYSTEMS
A. Transom Drain
A transom drain with plug is provided in the engine
compartment to allow water drainage. When the boat
is out of the water, the boat and trailer should be
positioned so any bilge water accu mula tion during dry
stor age will flow towards the tran som.
Be sure the drain plug is securely in place
prior to launching the boat. Upon ship ment of
the boat, the drain plug is usually taped to the
steering wheel.
B. Bilge Pumps
Bilge pumps are provided in the bottom of the hull to
remove miscellaneous water accumulations that might
occur during normal boating or weather conditions.
The bilge pump is controlled by the bilge pump switch
on the dash panel. See Section H-3 for a detailed
descrip tion of the bilge pump switch es.
A bilge pump equipped with automatic switch is
standard on most models. As the water level rises, the
automatic float switch will activate the pump.
When leaving the boat unattended for long periods of
time or during excessive rain storms, it is a good idea
to check on the boat for excessive water accumula-
tion. Be sure both the bilge pump and automatic float
switch are operating properly. The operating time of
the bilge pump will be limited to the battery capacity.
NOTICE
While at rest, any bilge water accumula tion
may flow forward. Therefore, operate the bilge
pump shortly after getting under way and while
the boat is at a sub stantial running angle. DO
NOT allow bilge water to accumulate. Damage
to the engine or other compo nents may result.
Periodically, clean the bilge pump strainers. DO NOT
allow dirt and debris to clog the bilge pump intakes.
Check operation of the bilge pump float switch often
to ensure movement of the switch is not restricted by
debris, portions of the hull, etc.
Wipe up any oil accumu lation in the bilge prior to
activa tion of the bilge pump. Pumping oil over board
will pol lute the water, and is subject to fine.
Ventilation and Drainage Systems