MerCruiser 350 Magnum MPI, Operation & Maintenance Manual

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The fuel system components on your MerCruiser engine will withstand up to 10% alcohol content in the gasoline.
We do not know what percentage your boat’s fuel system will withstand. Contact your boat manufacturer for specif-
ic recommendations on the boats fuel system components (fuel tanks,fuel lines, and fittings). Be aware that gaso-
lines containing alcohol may cause increased:
•
Corrosion of metal parts.
•
Deterioration of rubber or plastic parts.
•
Fuel permeation through rubber fuel lines.
•
Starting and operating difficulties.
! WARNING
FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARD: Fuel leakage from any part of fuel system can be a fire and explosion
hazard which can cause serious bodily injury or death. Careful periodic inspection of entire fuel system
is mandatory, particularly after storage. All fuel components including fuel tanks, whether plastic metal
or fiberglass, fuel lines, fittings, fuel filters and carburetors/fuel injection components should be in-
spected for leakage, softening, hardening, swelling or corrosion. Any sign of leakage or deterioration re-
quires replacement before further engine operation.
Because of possible adverse effects of alcohol in gasoline, it is recommended that only alcohol-free gasoline be
used where possible. If only fuel containing alcohol is available, or if the presence of alcohol is unknown, increased
inspection frequency for leaks and abnormalities is required.
IMPORTANT: When operating a MerCruiser engine on gasoline containing alcohol, storage of gasoline
in the fuel tank for long periods should be avoided. Long periods of storage, common to boats, create
unique problems. In cars alcohol-blend fuels normally are consumed before they can absorb enough
moisture to cause trouble, but boats often sit idle long enough for phase separation to take place. In addi-
tion, internal corrosion may take place during storage if alcohol has washed protective oil films from inter-
nal components.
Quicksilver Gasoline Stabilizer for Marine Engines (92-817529A12) is highly recommended for addition during
storage periods. See “Cold Weather or Extended Storage” later in this manual.