2008 MasterCraft Owners Manual Page 15-8
Inspect the Complete Fuel System for
Leakage
Although the boat engine is similar to an automobile en-
gine, the engine compartment differs substantially. The
underside of an automobile engine compartment is to-
tally open to the atmosphere. This allows complete air
circulation and ventilation. A boat engine is housed in a
closed compartment, the underside of which is the bot-
tom (hull) of the boat.
The enclosed engine compartment limits the ventilation
of gasoline and oil fumes. Because confined gasoline
vapors mixed with a little air can form an explosive atmo-
sphere, it is important to be especially vigilant in perform-
ing the following two (2) operations:
Step 1:
Run the bilge blower for at least four (4) min
-
utes to ventilate the bilge area each time before starting
the engine.
Step 2:
Inspect the boat bilge area under the engine for
the evidence of oil and gasoline—or any gasoline odor.
This inspection should take place the first time the boat
is started each day. Raise the engine cover and visually
look at the bilge area under the engine.
Gasoline is explosive. If a gasoline odor is present
or gasoline is visually observed in the bilge area
during inspection, DO NOT START YOUR EN-
GINE! Remove the ignition key from the ignition
switch and call an authorized MasterCraft dealer
for service.
Note: If there is evidence of loose fuel fittings,
deteriorated lines or other problems associated
with the fuel system, call an authorized MasterCraft
dealer. Fuel system service on later-model Master
-
Craft boats require special service tools and spe
-
cial training. Due to the potential for serious con
-
sequences when errors occur in servicing the fuel
system, MasterCraft strongly encourages all boat
owners to seek professional assistance from an
authorized MasterCraft dealer’s service department
whenever any service or perceived problems occur
within the fuel system.
All replaced fuel components must meet United
States Coast Guard (“USCG”) and American Boat
& Yacht Council, Inc. (“ABYC”) standards, and
must be Underwriter’s Laboratory (“UL”)-ap-
proved. Inferior quality components pose a seri-
ous safety threat to you and others, and the use of
inferior components may result in serious injury
or death. Resulting damage may void the war-
ranty.
