Scout Boats 295 Abaco, Owner'S Manual

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STATIC ELECTRICITY CAN BE GENERATED WHILE
FUELING AND CAN CAUSE A FIRE OR EXPLOSION.
TO PREVENT STATIC SPARKS WHEN FILLING THE
TANK, MAKE SURE THE NOZZLE IS IN CONTACT
WITH THE FUEL OPENING.
SPILLED FUEL IS DANGEROUS AND CAN YELLOW
FIBERGLASS OR IGNITE. MAKE SURE YOU DO
NOT SPILL ANY FUEL. IF FUEL IS SPILLED ON
THE DECK, USE A CLOTH TO REMOVE THE FUEL
AND PROPERLY DISPOSE OF THE CLOTH ON
SHORE. IF FUEL IS SPILLED ON THE WATER,
EXERCISE EXTREME CAUTION. FUEL FLOATS ON
TOP OF THE WATER AND CAN IGNITE. IF EXCESS
FUEL IS SPILLED INTO THE WATER, IMMEDIATELY
EVACUATE THE AREA AND NOTIFY THE MARINA
AND THE PROPER OFFICIALS.
9. Fill the fuel tank slightly less than the rated capacity
to allow for expansion to avoid spilling fuel out of the
vents and fuel fills.
10. Remove the nozzle.
11. Install and tighten the fuel cap. Be careful not to
overtighten the cap.
12. Check the fuel compartment and below the deck
for fuel odors. If you smell fuel, do not start the
engines.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF A FIRE AND/OR
EXPLOSION, DO NOT START THE ENGINES WHEN
FUEL FUMES ARE PRESENT. FUEL FUMES ARE
DANGEROUS AND HARMFUL TO YOUR HEALTH.
MAKE SURE ALL GASOLINE ODORS ARE
INVESTIGATED IMMEDIATELY.
3.5 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 senders 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 it
should be immediately replaced if there is any sign of damage
or deterioration.
The fuel vent screen should be clear and free from corrosion and
salt buildup. The screen will prevent insects and other foreign
matter from contaminating the fuel and fuel system. The fuel
vent should be replaced if the vent or screen is damaged or badly
corroded. Fuel vent screens that are clogged will prevent the
fuel tank from venting properly and make filling the fuel tank
difficult or cause fuel supply problems to the engines.
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 engines
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 engines 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.
Avoid using gasoline 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 tubes are very near the bottom of the tanks,
phase separation can cause the engines 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.
Algae can grow in the accumulated water in diesel fuel tanks.
This condition is most prevalent in warm climates. Periodi-
cally adding a high quality diesel fuel additive containing an
algaecide may be required to control algae in your boating
area. Since algae also can grow in accumulated water in the
fuel filters, it is important to run the generator for at least 30
minutes after the algaecide has been added so it will be circu-
lated throughout the fuel system. This is even more important
during periods of storage or if the generator is not used enough
to require refueling at least once a month.
Severe algae in a diesel fuel system can be extremely difficult
and expensive to clean. You should be diligent in monitoring
the fuel system by checking the filter for water frequently and
being alert for signs of algae in fuel that is drained from the
filter. Most algae appears as black, carpet like, fibers suspended