PURSUIT OS 325 OFFSHORE, Owner'S Manual

Page: 27 / 168

Fuel System
3-5
Section 3
OS 325
Old, degraded gasoline can affect engine
performance and damage the engine and
boat fuel system. Chemical changes occur
as gasoline ages, reducing octane and can
cause deposits and varnish in the fuel sys-
tem.
If your boat is not operated 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 degrad-
ing. Do not allow the boat to sit unused for
an extended period with the fuel tanks less
than 3/4 full. Changes in temperature and
weather conditions can cause condensation
in fuel tanks. Your Pursuit dealer or the
engine manufacturer can provide additional
information on fuel degrading and fuel stabi-
lizers recommended for your engine.
Improper storage of fuel at marinas, limited
boat usage, etc. can cause the fuel to
become contaminated. Periodically, it may
be necessary to pump accumulating water
and contaminated fuel from the bottom of
the fuel tanks. If the fuel system on your boat
becomes contaminated, contact your dealer
or marina for assistance.
Avoid using fuels with alcohol additives.
Alcohol blend gasoline will absorb moisture
from the air which can reach such concen-
trations that "phase separation" can occur
where the water and alcohol mixture
becomes heavy enough to settle out of the
gasoline to the bottom of the tank. Since the
fuel pickup tubes are near the bottom of the
tank, phase separation can cause the
engine to run very poorly or not at all. Phase
separation is more severe with methyl alco-
hol and will increase as the alcohol content
increases. Water or a jelly like substance in
the fuel filters is an indication of phase sepa-
ration from the use of alcohol blended fuels.
Diesel engine operation requires a good
supply of clean, water-free diesel fuel. Algae
can grow in the accumulated water in the
diesel fuel tank. This will normally occur in
warm climates. Adding a high quality diesel
fuel additive containing an algaecide periodi-
cally may be required to control algae in
your diesel system, depending on your boat-
ing area. Contact your Pursuit Dealer or
engine manufacturer for additional informa-
tion regarding fuels and additives.
NOTICE
Use only the fuel recommended by the
engine manufacturer. Use of old, con-
taminated fuel can cause the engine to
malfunction or severe damage. Do not
use fuel that contains more than 10%
ethanol, harsh additives or methanol;
damage to the engines and fuel sys-
tem will result. Fuel system damage,
related to use of alcohol-blended
fuels, is not covered by the Pursuit
Limited Warranty. Refer to the engine
owner's manual for specific fuel
requirements for your engines.