PURSUIT 2870 Walkaround, Owner'S Manual

Page: 36 / 140

2870 WALKAROUND
3.4 Fuel System Maintenance
Periodically inspect all primer bulbs, 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 petroleum jelly. The O-ring seal
prevents water from entering the fuel system through the fuel fill cap and it should be immediately
replaced if there is any sign of damage or deterioration.
Periodically, remove the fuel vents and clean corrosion and salt buildup from the vent screens. The
screens will prevent insects and other foreign matter from contaminating the fuel and fuel system.
Fuel vents should be replaced if the vents or screens are damaged or badly corroded. Fuel vent
screens that are clogged will prevent the fuel tanks from venting properly and make filling the fuel
tanks difficult or cause fuel supply problems to the engines.
Be sure the screens are secure and that the fuel tank vent hose is properly routed and attached when
the vents are reinstalled or replaced. The fuel tank vent hose must be looped above the vent, secured
to the hull near the vent and securely attached to the vent hose fitting with two hose clamps.
Contaminated fuel may cause serious damage to your engines. The filters must be checked for
water and other contamination frequently. The filter elements must be changed at least once a
season or more frequently depending on the type of engine and the quality of the fuel. Please refer
to the engine or fuel filter manufacturer’s instructions for information on servicing and replacing
the fuel filter elements.
The age of gasoline can effect 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 recom-
mended for your engine.
Avoid using fuels with alcohol additives. Gasoline that is an alcohol blend will absorb moisture
from the air which can reach such concentrations that "phase separation" can occur whereby the
water and alcohol mixture becomes heavy enough to settle out of the gasoline to the bottom of the
tank. Since the fuel pick up tube is very near the bottom of the tank, phase separation can cause
the engine to run very poorly or not at all. This condition is more severe with methyl alcohol and
will worsen as the alcohol content increases. Water or a jelly like substance in the fuel filters are
an indication of phase separation from the use of alcohol blended fuels.
3-6