Monterey Boats 378SE, Owner'S Manual

Page: 61 / 210

61
MONTEREY
BOATS
Fuel System
WARNING
SPILLED FUEL CAN CAUSE A FIRE OR AN EXPLOSION. MAKE
SURE YOU DO NOT SPILL ANY FUEL. IF A SMALL AMOUNT
OF FUEL IS SPILLED ON THE FIBERGLASS, USE A CLOTH
TO REMOVE THE FUEL AND PROPERLY DISPOSE OF THE
CONTAMINATED CLOTH. IF FUEL IS SPILLED ON THE WATER,
EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION. FUEL FLOATS ON THE
SURFACE OF THE WATER AND CAN IGNITE. IF FUEL IS SPILLED
INTO THE WATER, IMMEDIATELY EVACUATE THE AREA AND
NOTIFY THE MARINA AND THE PROPER OFFICIALS.
Preparing the Boat for Operation
Use the following procedure to prepare the
boat for operation when fueling operations
are complete:
• Open all hatches, windows and doors. Run
the blower for at least four minutes to
completely ventilate the boat.
• Check the fuel compartment and below the deck
for fuel odors. If you smell fuel, do not start the
engine.
DANGER
GASOLINE FUEL VAPORS THAT ACCUMULATE IN THE CABIN
OR ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHILE FUELING CAN EXPLODE!!
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A FIRE AND/OR EXPLOSION AFTER
FILLING THE FUEL SYSTEM, ALWAYS RUN THE BLOWERS
FOR AT LEAST FOUR (4) MINUTES AND OPEN ALL HATCHES,
WINDOWS AND DOORS TO COMPLETELY VENTILATE THE
BOAT BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINES.
5.5 Fuel System Maintenance
Periodically inspect all connections, clamps and hoses
for leakage and damage or deterioration. Replace as
necessary. Spray the valves, tank fuel gauge sender
and ground connections with a metal protector.
Frequently inspect and lubricate the fuel fill cap O-
ring seal with Teflon or silicone grease. The O-ring
seal prevents water from entering the fuel system
through the fuel fill cap and should be replaced
immediately if there is any sign of damage or de-
terioration.
Contaminated fuel may cause serious damage to
your engine. The filters must be checked for water
and other contamination frequently. Gasoline engine
filters must be changed at least once each year or
more frequently depending on the type of engine and
the quality of the fuel. Refer to the engine manu-
facturer’s instructions for information on servicing
and replacing the fuel filter elements.
The age of gasoline can affect engine performance.
Chemical changes occur as the gasoline ages that
can cause deposits and varnish in the fuel system as
well as reduce the octane rating of the fuel. Severely
degraded fuel can damage the engine and boat fuel
tank and lines. Therefore, if your boat is not being
run enough to require at least one full tank of fresh
fuel a month, a fuel stabilizer should be added to
the gasoline to protect the fuel from degradation.
Your dealer or the engine manufacturer can provide
additional information on fuel degradation and fuel
stabilizers recommended for your engine.
In many states, most gasoline is blended with etha-
nol alcohol. Ethanol is a strong solvent and can
absorb water during periods of storage. You should
refer to the engine operating manual for information
regarding alcohol blended fuels and how it affects
the operation of your marine engine.
WARNING
AFTER THE FILTER ELEMENT HAS BEEN CHANGED, PRIME
THE FUEL SYSTEM AND CHECK ALL FITTINGS FOR LEAKS
BEFORE AND AFTER STARTING THE ENGINE FOLLOWING
ANY FUEL SYSTEM SERVICE.
WARNING
TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF A FIRE OR EXPLOSION,
MAKE SURE ALL ELECTRICAL SWITCHES ARE IN THE “OFF”
POSITION BEFORE SERVICING THE FUEL SYSTEM.
WARNING
BEFORE STARTING THE ENGINE, ALWAYS OPEN ALL
HATCHES AND DOORS. THEN RUN THE BLOWERS FOR AT
LEAST FOUR (4) MINUTES TO COMPLETELY VENTILATE THE
BOAT AFTER SERVICING THE FUEL SYSTEM.
DANGER
AVOID SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH FROM FIRE OR
EXPLOSION RESULTING FROM LEAKING FUEL, INSPECT
SYSTEM FOR LEAKS AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR. DO NOT
DRAIN ANY FUEL INTO THE BILGE.